While working out to ensure physical wellness has become essential these days, diet also plays a vital role when it comes to good health. Baked with the goodness of nuts, seeds, and grains, here are a few benefits that granola has on offer, shares Purvi Pugalia
The past year has seen health and wellness rise to the top of our priorities. Even then, with most of us leading a sedentary lifestyle working from home, these tend to take a back seat. While working out to ensure physical wellness has almost become essential these days, diet also plays a vital role when it comes to ensuring good health.
While there are different kinds of breakfast and mid-meal snacking options available today, we still find ourselves in a fix looking for easy, guilt-free and versatile options. Some key aspects, for a few people, also include taste and preparation time. One product that has stood out over the years is granola. Baked with the goodness of nuts, seeds, and grains, this fibre-rich food is as versatile as it is convenient to prepare. Its versatility ensures that we are never out of new and exciting snacking options, while its health benefits greatly reassure us.
Still not convinced? Read on for reasons to make granola a part of your diet.
A protein-packed snack that’s also ideal for post-workout intake
The high quantity of dried fruits, seeds, and nuts present in granola makes it a protein-packed snack ideal for you to munch on post your workout. Not only does it help build your muscles, but also leaves you feeling energised. Further, micronutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and iron found in granola help build a stronger immunity and produce greater energy.
Guilt-free binge for a healthier gut
Prebiotic fibre plays an active role in retaining the healthy bacteria in your gut. Whole grain, a primary ingredient that makes up granola, is rich in fibres that aids digestion and helps maintain healthy bacteria levels. The presence of prebiotic fibres explains why granola is perfect to munch on all day.
A chai-time snack that keeps your cholesterol in check
Primarily made up of oats, granola is a great source of beta-glucan — a fibre that lowers the risk of heart disease by maintaining the total and bad cholesterol present in your body.
Fulfill your antioxidant intake
Chia seeds, coconut, and nuts in granola are a rich source of antioxidants, which are proven to improve overall health by providing the body with sufficient quercetin, selenium, vitamin E, and gallic acid.
Leaves you feeling full and satisfied
Largely made up of oats and whole grains, granola is a high-fibre food that leaves you feeling full for longer. Fibre has also proven to greatly reduce the rate at which sugar and carbohydrates are digested in your body, reducing the risk of a spike in blood sugar levels.
(The writer is the co-founder of a granola company.)