Just a popular trend or not: the whole truth about granola | GoBeauty
Just a popular trend or not: the whole truth about granola, Photo 808

30 July 2022

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Just a popular trend or not: the whole truth about granola

In 1863, Dr James Jackson from New York – a reformer of the time who believed that the causes of all diseases due to stomach problems – began to experiment with cereals. First of all, he introduced them to the menu of the resort where he worked. He baked the coarse flour into fragile "cakes," which he then broke and sent back into the oven. The doctor immediately realized that such flakes are easy to chew only if they are soaked in a liquid, such as milk. He called them a Jackson granola. Now a similar product called granola is gradually conquering the world market. But is it really useful or is it another reception for marketers? GoBeauty found interesting info for you.


What kind of product is this?

Granola now is our breakfast and snack foods consisting of oats, nuts, honey, or other sweeteners, such as brown sugar, which are usually baked to a crisp. Sometimes dried fruits, raisins and chocolate are added. Granola, especially if it has flax seeds, is good for digestion. It is used in combination with yoghurt, honey, fresh fruits (such as bananas, strawberries or blueberries), milk or other cereals. It also serves as a basis for various cakes, desserts or ice cream.


It is like muesli, only much tastier, than oatmeal but more useful. However, stop, is it more useful?


The benefit of granola

The more different nuts, dried fruits and berries granola contain, the more beneficial it will be for the body. The blend of natural ingredients, prepared on your own, completely replaces the full breakfast, lunch or dinner, as well as a midday snack for children. Thanks to the ease of preparation and lightweight, this snack is convenient for hiking or eating during the day.


The high content of dietary fibre in the granola promotes intestinal cleansing, rapid saturation and recovery. Moderate consumption of the mixture helps to adjust the function of the gastrointestinal tract and get rid of the external side effects of disorders. For example, rashes on the face.


Granola with various berries and dried fruits is a valuable source of vitamins and trace elements that help you strengthen the immune system. 


A variety of natural additives, combined with oat flakes, gives the mixture a rejuvenating effect. This product has a positive effect on the reproductive system and the processes of hematopoiesis. Besides, it reduces the risk of many cardiovascular diseases.


Potential harm

Granola is contraindicated if there is an allergy to its components. It is also important to remember about harmful flavours that may be in the purchase mixture. Due to its high-calorie content, since 100 grams of snack contains at least 450 kcal, it becomes a forbidden product for those who want to lose extra pounds. 


According to nutritionists, you should not use this mix, even with the addition of dairy products, as a substitute for breakfast more than 2 times a week. 


Any dry breakfast, especially fried, with constant use can provoke peptic ulcers. Also, the granola is contraindicated in pancreatitis and cholecystitis.


How granola differs from muesli

Muesli and granola are quite similar in composition. However, there is a very serious difference between the two products. Although both kinds of cereal include nuts and dried fruits, the difference is that you fry (bake) granola with the addition of oil, honey or juice. 


Useful recipe

To make granola at home, you should mix 300-350 g of oat flakes, 150 g of nuts, 100 g of liquid honey, 50 g of butter and 50 ml of water. You can optionally add pieces of fresh and dried fruits, sun-dried berries, and pumpkin seeds. Then, bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes at 160-180 °C. 


How to store granola? It is best to cut it into portions and close it in a glass jar. In this form, it will remain fresh and crisp for much longer.