What is granola? Granola is a word that brings up images of health, crunchiness, and deliciousness. Granola is a healthy breakfast and a daily snack.
Power-packed Ingredients of granola
- Oats
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Dried Fruits
- Honey
- Fresh fruits
- Dairy
Easy Homemade Granola Recipes
What is granola? A Short History of Granola
The launch of granola can be traced to Sylvester Graham, a 19th-century American Presbyterian minister and dietary reformer also published in The New York Times Magazine.
Homemade Granola Bars
The name “granola” became more universally known in the late 19th century, thanks to the efforts of another well-known figure in the health food industry, John Harvey Kellogg.
In the early 20th century, the admiration of granola continued to spread, and it became a leading food for hikers, campers, and outdoor lovers.
Its long shelf life and high power content make it a suitable choice for those doing physical activities.
How to make Granola for Weight Loss?
Why is granola good for you? Know its benefits:
So here is the answer. Granola, with its crunchy texture and delightful blend of grains, nuts, and dried fruits, has long been considered a healthy and nutritious food option.
Now we will explore the amazing health benefits of Granola, The Healthy Delight.
1. High in Fiber
Thanks to its ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or fresh fruits. Granola is a food that is high in fiber.
It regulates your bowel movements. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber, so it is very gut-friendly. It gives you a feeling of fullness for a longer period of time.
2. Good for Weight Loss
Granola is a food that is high in fiber and low in sodium. It gives you a feeling of fullness, so ultimately, you eat less.It can be a satisfying and nutritious addition to a balanced diet when consumed in appropriate portions.
Best Keto Friendly Granola:5 supreme Ingredients
3. Nutrient-Rich Powerhouse
Granola is full of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It often contains ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, which provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal bodily function.
4. Reduces cholesterol levels
Many granola recipes include nuts, dried fruits, and seeds, which are rich in heart-healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
These fats are good for the heart and reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol levels. So it improves your overall heart health and blood pressure.
5. Source of Antioxidants
Dried fruits commonly found in granola, such as raisins, cranberries, or blueberries, are rich in antioxidants. These powerful compounds help protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals and contribute to overall health and longevity.
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6. Reduces blood sugar
Granola is purely an organic food, so it contains whole grains and organic products like oats and blueberries that contain a high amount of magnesium.So its equally effective for people with diabetes.
7.Energy Booster
Granola’s combination of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein provides a slow release of energy, making it an ideal breakfast option or snack for sustained energy throughout the day.
It can help fuel your body and keep you feeling satisfied for longer periods.
8.Improves Digestion
The fiber content in granola helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. It can contribute to improved gut health and overall digestive well-being.
9.Easy to make
Granola is a very versatile food.You can change it as per your own choice.Sprinke it on your smoothie, serve it with hot milk to give you warmth on cold days, or eat it with yogurt.It’s your own personal choice.Make it how you like it!
Sample Nutrition Table of Granola:
Approximate Values per 100 grams of Granola:
| Calories | 450-500 |
| Total Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 7-10g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sugars | 10-15g |
| Protein | 8-12g |
| Iron | 15-20% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 60-70g |
| Sodium | 50-100mg |
It’s always recommended to refer to the nutrition label on the granola package for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the product you are consuming.
How to choose healthy Granola?
After knowing what Granola is and its potential benefits it’s always good to make it home.But if You are buying from outside. Here are some points to consider.
1.Watch For Added Sugars:
It’s always good to make Granola at home. But if you are buying a pack from outside always check The Label. Look for Added Sugars in ingredients.
Using Honey or Brown Sugar is safe for Health. White sugar can play with our Blood Sugar Levels.
2.Check Fat Content:
Always buy Granola Pack which has Good Fats monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.
Don’t buy if it has Trans or Saturated Fats. As they can badly affect Heart Health. Fats From Nuts and Seeds is ok. But if Refined Oils are added even Coconut Oil is not a good option.
3.Look For Organic Options:
When buying a pack from outside choose the Organic option(Oats,Dried Fruits, Nuts, Seeds, Natural Sweeteners). Be aware of Some Fancy “Added” Ingredients.
It May Help: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Granola
FAQs
Is Granola good for weight loss?
High fiber foods like whole grains and oats make you feel full for a longer time.Studies show that food that burn slower help you losing weight.
Is Granola Healthy or fattening?
Granola is a Healthy breakfast or snack option. But if you are buying from outside there are many varieties. You just have to be mindful while buying Added Sugars or Bad Fats from outside. But if you are making it at home the game is in your hand. Just don’t add Sugar or Refined Oils consider organic options.
Is Granola full of Sugars?
No!If it is made at home you can add Honey or Fruits to make it sweet naturally.But if you are buying from outside then just be careful about Added Sugars.