Homemade granola

I've been making recently my very own homemade granola, perfectly customized and not overly sweet. It keeps me satisfied for a long time and helps curb my sugar cravings. Why making it instead of buying it? Well, commercial brands tend to be too sweet and the labels indicate large amounts of fat and sodium. Also, being able to customize my granola keeps me interested in it.

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Image by cuttlefish

 The nutritional value of granola is high, because it has a lot of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, iron and potassium. This translates into health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, low cholesterol, weight control, anemia prevention and improved digestion. Since oat is the main ingredient, granola provides slow-release energy and helps you keep fuller for a longer period.

 Most granola recipes are a combination of these ingredients:

- oats (you can also add wheat or bran)

- nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, cashews...)

- seeds (flax, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin...)

- dried fruit (raisins, cherries, cranberries, apples...)

- sweeteners (honey, brown sugar, maple syrup...)

- vegetable oils (canola, coconut, olive...)

- flavorings (salt, cinnamon, vanilla...).

 On the Internet you can find many recipes to make your own granola and the ingredients are easy to come by. For some easy recipes, with lots of beautiful pictures, check here and here.

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 Granola is perfect as a healthy breakfast or snack. Enjoy your granola alone or paired with milk and yogurt, for extra calcium. Including fresh fruits turns it into an even healthier choice and remember, the possibilities are endless! Treat yourself to something healthy, tasty and affordable. You deserve it.