Granola offers many health benefits! For example, a serving of granola can have 11-18 grams of protein and 11-13.5 grams of fiber, store bought and homemade respectively. Here are some other beneficial facts:
1. Granola can help lower cholesterol.
2. Granola can aid in the prevention of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
3. Granola provides dietary fiber.
4. Granola may help control blood sugar and promote a feeling of fullness after eating.
5. The soluble fiber found in some granolas (granolas with oats) assist in lowering bad cholesterol levels (LDL).
6. Granola can provide healthy fats.
7. Granola contains vitamin E, thiamin and folate.
8. Granola contains almost every mineral essential to one’s health like magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium.
It’s clear that granola can be a very healthy snack for those who are nutritionally conscious. However, one should be aware that some granolas are packed with high calories and not always nutritious. Look for granolas that are high in fiber with lower amounts of added sugar and fat. Additionally, avoid fat-free and sugar-free varieties for the simple reason that many granolas are made with nuts, seeds and fruit- all of which contain sugar and healthy fats.
Better yet, make homemade granola! It’s quick, easy and doing so allows for individual customization of ingredients.
Homemade Granola
Ingredients
2 cups oats
1 cup raw almonds
1 cup raw pecans
1 cup raw walnuts
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
½ cup flax seeds
¼ cup black sesame seeds
1 cup raw shredded coconut
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
¼ cup agave
¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup sucanat
Instructions
Mix all dry ingredients together, except raisins. Melt coconut oil. Stir into the dry ingredients. Stir in agave and sucanat. Mix well. Pour/spread into glass pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
Take out and stir in raisins. Bake 10 more minutes.
Take care to make sure the raisins don’t burn. Take the granola out of pan and serve.
Makes about 8 cups.
Sources:
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/granola-healthy-7223.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/411678-granola-health-benefits
http://nourishmentnow.com/homemade-granola/
“Nourishment” is a body, mind and spirit forum that incorporates an online wellness magazine featuring the top professionals in yoga, health, psychology, spirituality and nutrition! “Nourishment” is a guiding point for living healthy inside and out with our online store featuring the purest body care products, workshop tours with the most inspiring speakers and retreats and trainings in raw food, vegan cuisine, meditation, yoga, and much more! “Nourishment” has been created to heal, nurture and feed anyone who wants to change their path or enhance their way of living through true education!
About Nourishment’s Founder, Victoria Dodge: After a long successful career in photography, with 5 books published, Victoria has transitioned into not only being a successful photographer but a health and wellness expert. She has been practicing and living a plant based lifestyle with her family for over 6 years. She has been mentored and inspired by some of today’s health pioneers and continues to share her wealth of knowledge that covers a wide range of topics from cleansing to vegan and raw culinary arts. Victoria teaches group classes open to the public and private consultations all year round.
