Granola sales are soaring.
But does that mean it’s good for you?
Granola has lots of good things going for it.
EatingWell
It’s convenient, crunchy and delicious.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile.
After all, how many foods can you eat for breakfast, snacksanddessert?
But how healthy is granola, really?
What Is Granola?
Granola is a simple, crunchy mix of several ingredients.
Then, the mixture is baked until crunchy.
The result is a hearty, whole-grain, flavor-filled cereal.
Oats are also rich in blood-pressure-lowering antioxidants called avenanthramides.
Less Hunger
Granola’s soluble fiber slows down digestion, helping to prevent between-meal hunger pangs.
No wonder research shows that ready-to-eat cereal eaters contribute to better diet quality and increased nutrient intake.
Then head to the Nutrition Facts label to scout out added sugars.
What about the naturally occurring sugars in dried fruit?
No need to obsess about these guys.
They’re wrapped in a package of digestion-slowing fiber along with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Hidden Calories
You might be surprised at the calories in each serving.
To complicate matters, serving sizes are based on weight, so they can be all over the place.
If calories are a concern, keep an eye on portion sizes.
That can offset a lot of granola’s otherwise heart-supporting benefits.
Scan the nutrition label for one that’s high in fiber and low in saturated fat and sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be.
Though both can be included in your diet, oatmeal is probably a healthier pick over granola.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Cereals, ready to eat, granola, homemade.
