9 Surprising Benefits Of Granola. Granola is a popular breakfast food which may provide a variety of health benefits. Some of those benefits include it’s ability to lower cholesterol, regulate digestion, aid in weight loss, and improve heart health.
It can also help increase energy, prevent anemia, and promote proper organ function. In addition to these benefits, it can aid with lowering blood pressure, increasing cognitive activity, improving skin quality, building stronger bones and managing diabetes. Storing granola may even help stimulate new tissue growth and hormonal development as well as preventing cancer.
What is Granola?
Granola is a mixture of oats, nuts, puffed rice, and honey. It’s baked until it becomes crispy, and can be eaten as a healthy snack while on the go. Many people eat it while hiking or camping as well. Granola bars have even more nutrients than regular granola because they are usually covered in an extra coating of sealant like dark chocolate or peanut butter to lose calories and increase its tastiness for adults. This makes them perfect for those who don’t have access to a refrigerator when traveling.
Nutritional Value of Granola
The high fiber content in granola may be the reason for many of its health benefits. Granola also contains other nutrients like sodium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. Vitamins like Vitamin E and Vitamin C are also found in granola.
Health Benefits of Granola
Below is a more detailed explanation about the health benefits of this program.
May Help Improve Digestion
As a digestive aid, granola is almost unmatched. It contains both soluble and insoluble fibers, which are beneficial for digestion at every age. Dietary fiber regulates bowel movements and can also stimulate peristaltic motion, relieving stress on the entire system. Soluble fiber can help alleviate constipation, while insoluble fiber will soften loose stools and reduce the occurrence of diarrhea. Furthermore, it may improve heart health by protecting arteries from dangerous cholesterol or fatty acids, and it may also lower your risk of death.
May Aid in Weight Loss
Eating granola can be a light, yet filling food that delivers nutrients for physical health. It can be naturally low in cholesterol and sodium, both of which are culprits behind chronic obesity. Also, the fiber in granola helps to satiate the body and make it feel fuller because it bulks up your meal and absorbs water. This may lead to reduced appetite and inhibits exogenous ghrelin release, which helps prevent overeating.
May Help Reduce Cholesterol Levels
One of the best ways to reduce LDL cholesterol levels is with soluble fiber. The soluble fiber in granola is a known way to prevent plaque buildup and heart complications. It also helps promote good HDL cholesterol by reducing harmful substances, like LDL cholesterol, in the bloodstream. The incorporation of nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, can help increase your consumption of omega-3 fats (a type of fatty acid), which has been shown to have positive effects on HDL cholesterol levels.
May Boost Energy Levels
Hikers like to eat granola for a few reasons. First, it’s a concentrated form of energy and will help give you an extra boost when you need it most. Granola is different from cereals that contain a lot of sugar. That will eventually cause you to crash and feel sluggish, whereas granola gives you manganese, which is one of the most essential minerals in the body.
It’s necessary for the liver, kidneys, and metabolic activity. Granola will stimulate your tissues and get resources distributed throughout the body more efficiently. Working efficiently means that your body can use what energy it needs without wasting valuable resources like sugars or carbohydrates.
May Have Anticancer Potential
Granola contains low levels of vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that is used by the body. Kathleen Head, a naturopath, published a report in the Alternative Medicine Review-Journal that states vitamin C has many benefits including better immune system function and possible prevention of cancer.
Manganese, which could be higher in granola’s content, is another great antioxidant. According to the National Cancer Institute, antioxidants like manganese may have a protective effect on cell growth. This can lower the risk for conditions such as cancer.
May Aid in Prevention of Anemia
Low levels of iron in the body, known as anemia, are dangerous and can cause many health problems for those who suffer from it. The symptoms of anemic people may include fatigue, headaches, depression, and intestinal disorders. Granola (which is a food made from oats) has a high amount of iron, so it is useful for many symptoms that come with anemia. Some granolas are also fortified with extra iron.
May Help Regulate Blood Sugar
The manganese content in granola is known to be high and the effects it has on our body are quite impressive. In terms of diabetes management, manganese can be a regulator of blood sugar levels in the body and can stimulate or inhibit the release of insulin.
According to a study published in BMC Endocrine Disorders Journal, people with high blood manganese levels have a decreased prevalence of diabetes. However, more studies are required to determine any protective effects of manganese on the disease. By regulating blood sugar levels, it can reduce the chances of spikes and drops that can make life so difficult for those with diabetes.
