We’ve all heard the phrase: “Your body is a temple of your mind and soul, so nourish it with happy thoughts, good health, and positive energy”, and we know it’s true. So, how much of that do you actually do? Focusing on a happy and positive energy might not be always so easy, but eating healthy food can be a lot easier than you think, just a granola bar away.

Eating real food, which means natural food with no additives, can change your life for the better, improve your health, and boost your energy levels. If breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, then starting your day with a wholesome option such as healthy granolas is the best choice.

What’s in Granolas?

As with many products these days we shouldn’t take things at face value. Just because it says on the label that something is ‘pure’ or ‘natural’ it doesn’t necessarily have to be the whole truth. Granola can be very healthy if it’s made with the right ingredients and if it doesn’t include stuff like preservatives, additives, or any other hidden artificial ingredients.

Since there’s no standard formula to it, we can say that it’s a crunchy mixture of oats, nuts, seeds, and a variety of dried fruits. It is usually coated in a bit of honey or maple syrup as a binder and baked. This basic recipe can be broadened with cacao, cinnamon or similar spices. The whole package makes this energy-packed and good-for-you food that brings many benefits to your diet.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Granola?

Based on the ingredients, granola contains essential fibre, vitamins and minerals, protein and antioxidants. It is calorie-dense so it keeps you feeling full for a longer period. According to nutritionists, a diet high in fibre such as oats and whole grains contributes to weight loss because the food has more ‘weight’ which reduces the appetite. Oats also contain beta-glucan, which reduces harmful LDL cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol.

Because there is a substantial amount of dried fruits and nuts, you consume antioxidants that lower inflammations and prevent cell damage. You are probably familiar with the beneficial effects of the prebiotic fibre found in fruits and nuts which boost healthy gut bacteria leading to improved digestion. As fruits are rich in iron this is also a good way to fight anaemia, and the vitamins B and E will help your skin rejuvenate.

Granola can also reduce blood pressure because it contains high levels of potassium and low levels of sodium, so it helps with hypertension. Lower blood pressure allows better oxygen flow through the body and brain and stimulates better mental functioning.

One of the reasons many outdoorsy people like this food is the concentrated form of energy that they need while they put more strain on the body. Manganese is one of the most integral minerals that enable proper metabolic function. A healthy balance of carbs and good fats can extend your energy levels and will keep you full for hours.

How to Combine It?

There are many ways you can enjoy the crunchy delicious granola for breakfast or as a snack. You can sprinkle it on top of yogurt, have it with milk, or on top of some ice cream. Don’t overdo it though. Check the portion size for the total amount of calories and keep in mind that dried fruit has quite a lot of sugar, and almonds or walnuts are high-fat. The variety of flavours you can choose from makes it more interesting so you don’t feel like you are always eating the same food. For extra diversity, you can add fresh fruit and use different bases.

It’s Good for the Whole Family

Preparing breakfast for everyone on a busy morning while in a hurry to get to school and work on time can be slightly stressful. Fixing up a bowl of milk or yogurt with a portion of granola is not only quick and easy, but it will also give your kids the necessary energy and vitamins for better cognitive and physical performance. They will love the sweet and crunchy food.

Need Recipes?

If you have some free time, you can try your own homemade granola. Find some old-fashioned rolled oats and choose your favourite nuts, pecans, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, macadamias, or any other kind. Put one part of nuts for every five parts of the oats. Then, add seeds. This is also a question of taste. You can have sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia, pepitas… Get creative with the dried fruit and if you like a different flavour you can spice it with some cinnamon. Now, to bind that all together you need a bit of oil like grapeseed or avocado oil and some honey.

Then, spread the mixture on a paper-lined pan and bake it for around an hour until it’s crisp. If you make more, you can store it in an airtight container once it’s cool. To be sure the end product is healthy you need to know where your ingredients are coming from and if they have been processed.

Final Words

When you buy granola always check the list of ingredients. The healthy version should look like a homemade recipe with words you recognise and not something you can’t pronounce. Stay away from the mass markets products loaded with sugar, artificial sweeteners and saturated fat. If you buy healthy granola online choose a brand you trust and like. Eat it in moderation and pay attention to your body. It is good for you in many ways.