Author: Rohit Mohan Pugalia, Founder & CEO, Munchilicious Granola (A SOCH Foods LLP Product)
Like every year, the first week of September is observed as the National Nutrition Week, the main idea behind this day is to encourage healthy eating practices which will help in avoiding risks of contracting diseases, and in turn, lead to a healthy lifestyle. This year it is apt to remind ourselves of the importance of our health and immune system and start eating healthy nutritious foods.
Granola is a healthy breakfast cereal and mid-meal snacking option that’s easily available on retail shelves. Granola is a super snack that is easy to carry and easy to consume without any hassle. It has a good amount of calories, proteins, micronutrients, antioxidants, and fiber. Granola is a toasted mixture of nutrient-rich oats, nuts, and seeds. It can also include dried fruits, nut butter, spices, and grains for additional taste. The health benefits of granola are derived from every ingredient used.
Health Benefits of Granola
- A Rich Combo of Fiber and Protein
Granola is rich in fiber and protein. The presence of fiber and protein-rich oats, nuts, and seeds influences the feeling of fullness and appetite.
- Antioxidants
The nuts and seeds in granola provide Vitamin E, Selenium, Gallic acids, which act as an antioxidant and protect your body from damaging free-radical compounds.
- Good Source of Minerals
All the ingredients in Granola make it a good source of minerals that are essential for your health. Minerals like magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese keep your bones healthy, energize your body, and aid the formation of connective tissues. They also help in maintaining a healthy immune and nervous system and contribute to proper healing.
- Keeps Blood Pressure in Check
The high-fiber ingredients like cashew nuts and oats reduce hypertension and keep your blood pressure in check.
- Lowers Cholesterol
Granola is rich in nuts and oats that help in reducing cholesterol levels. The oats provide beta-glucan that lowers cholesterol in your body. It means eating granola reduces the risk of heart diseases.
Ways One Can Include Granola in Their Diets
Granola is a great breakfast and snacking option among health-conscious folks. The nutrient-rich nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and crunchy oats makeup for a satisfying snack any time of the day. There are numerous ways one can include granola in their diet and the following are some of them.
- Breakfast:
- Granola can be consumed in breakfast with milk, fruits, smoothies, and yogurt.
- Snack:
- Dig into the pack of granola for an on-the-go treat or while enjoying a beautiful evening.
- Roasted Vegetables with Granola
- Banana Sushi
- Apple Sandwiches with Granola
- Toasted Fruits with Granola
- Desserts:
- Fruits and Granola popsicles
- Frozen Parfait
- Crunchy Fudge
- Cake and Pie Topped With Granola
Granola not only makes up for the best breakfast cereal but also is a convenient snack when you are in a rush. As a multigrain and multi-seed cereal, granola is healthier than a single-grain breakfast cereal like corn flakes. While in comparison to muesli, granola is baked which makes it tastier to eat.
About the Author
Rohit Mohan Pugalia is the Founder & CEO, Munchilicious Granola (A SOCH Foods LLP Product).