Healthy ANZAC Biscuits – Naturally Sweetened & Hormone-Supporting
These high-fibre, naturally sweetened ANZAC biscuits are a nutritious twist on the classic. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, banana, and coconut oil, they offer a balanced snack rich in healthy fats and slow-releasing carbohydrates.
Why These ANZAC Biscuits Are a Great Choice
Traditional ANZAC biscuits are often loaded with refined sugars, but this version is naturally sweetened with caramelised banana and maple syrup. Additionally, they incorporate healthy fats from coconut oil, which may provide hormone-supporting benefits for women.
The Benefits of Oats for Health
Oats are a fantastic source of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre that supports heart health, regulates blood sugar levels, and improves gut function (Tiwari & Cummins, 2011). This makes them an excellent carbohydrate choice for sustained energy and satiety.
Coconut Oil & Women's Hormones
A recent study has explored how coconut oil consumption may influence female hormones by modulating lipid metabolism and reproductive hormone levels (Sukalingam et al., 2024). While further research is needed, incorporating healthy fats like coconut oil may be beneficial for supporting hormonal balance, particularly during perimenopause and menopause.
Healthy ANZAC Biscuits
Servings: 10 biscuits
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas
200g oats
100g shredded coconut
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp coconut oil
75ml milk (dairy or plant-based)
Method:
Preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Place the bananas (with skin on) on a baking tray and roast for 20 minutes or until the skin turns black and the bananas are soft and caramelised.
Allow bananas to cool slightly, then mash them in a bowl. Stir in the coconut oil, maple syrup, and milk.
In a blender, pulse half the oats and shredded coconut until finely ground.
Add the blended oat mixture to the bowl, along with the remaining oats and shredded coconut. Stir until combined.
Form into 10 evenly sized balls and place on the lined baking tray. Flatten slightly to about 1-2 cm in height.
Bake at 180°C for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to cool completely before removing from the tray.
A Wholesome Snack for Women’s Health
These ANZAC biscuits are not just a delicious treat; they also provide a great balance of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fibre, which can support digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and hormonal balance. The combination of oats and coconut oil makes them a nourishing option for women looking to optimise their nutrition.
Curious about why oats are so good for you? Read my blog post on how oats support hormone balance, PCOS, and menopause [here].
References
Sukalingam, K., Jayaraj, J., & Samuel, V. (2024). Influence of coconut oil on lipid metabolism and reproductive hormone levels. Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism, 2024(4), 1-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39793945/
Tiwari, U., & Cummins, E. (2011). Meta-analysis of the effect of beta-glucan on blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Nutrition Reviews, 69(6), 299-309. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8625765/