Busy mornings can make it hard to get a healthy breakfast. In this case, granola is a real lifesaver that is perfect for breakfast or quick snacking and even great when you are on the go. What's more, you can add your favourite additives, such as nuts or fresh fruit, to make it more nutritious.
Is Granola Healthy?
Granola is considered a healthy breakfast cereal. More specifically, it's a toasted mixture of oats, nuts and different sweeteners like honey. Granolas can also contain beneficial additives such as grains, dried fruit, puffed rice, nut butter, spices and seeds.
Some of the other components that make it look more like a dessert include oils, syrups and chocolate chips. Thus, its nutritional value depends on the ingredients used. Some granolas may be high in fat, sugar and carbohydrates, while others are higher in fibre and protein. Usually, granola that is loaded with dried fruits, nuts and seeds contain more protein, while whole grains contain more fibre.
While granola might be a calorie-dense product, it is also rich in micronutrients, fibre and protein. It can also contain minerals like iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and vitamins like vitamins B and E.
Six Beneficial Ingredients For Your Granola
CBD Oil
Whether you choose to add a few oil drops to your granola or receive its positive effect from other ready-made formats like CBD gummies, chocolate, breakfast cereal, peanut butter or dried fruits, this natural supplement can not only support your diet with essential nutrients but also improve your general wellness. After getting into your body, cannabidiol (CBD) can interact with receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which aid in reducing anxiety and stress levels, relieving pain, promoting better quality sleep, among many other benefits.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are loaded with protein, minerals like iron, magnesium and zinc, fibre, omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants. They may improve heart health by diminishing high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, reduce blood sugar levels, improve sleep and reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in zinc, which makes them useful for male health.
Dates
Dates provide a rich source of antioxidants and minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. As they're naturally sweet, they will add sweetness to your granola. Dates are also rich in fibre and essential fatty acids that make them gut-friendly. Adding dates into your bowl may benefit heart, bones and brain health.
Sunflower Seeds
These seeds are a great source of vitamins like vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc and manganese, dietary fibre, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for most bodily functions. Sunflower seeds may be helpful for improving heart health, reducing inflammation and blood sugar, boosting the immune system, lowering "bad" cholesterol and supporting skin health.
Raisins
Raisins are naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free while also high in antioxidants, healthy vitamins, minerals and fibre. Adding raisins to daily meals benefits heart functions, supports the bones and skin health.
Linseeds
Linseeds or flaxseeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, beneficial for the heart, and natural fibre, which is good for the gut. They contain both soluble and insoluble fibre.