The reason why I make my own granola is not that it would be healthier than you get in a shop, but because I cannot justify paying top $$$ for some roasted oats and dried fruit when I have both as a staple in my pantry.
I love making granola, and I always change the recipe the way that suits what I have available. So here is no limitation or strict recipe to follow.
OATS
The benefits of oats for woman's health are undeniable. From weight loss help to breast cancer protection.
Oats have been here forever and are a great source of fibre, protein and many minerals and nutrients.
Their protein AVENIN is almost as beneficial for our body as protein gained out of soy, milk or meat. That's why oats are popular in the fitness and weight loss industry.
Oats do not contain GLUTEN, but their main protein AVENIN can still cause digestive issues for coeliacs. So despite Oats are gluten-free, if you are sensitive to gluten, you might wanna test your tolerance to them.
What are their main benefits for women's helath?
Cardiovascular Benefits for Postmenopausal Women
Protection against Breast Cancer
Lowering Cholesterol Level
Oat Antioxidants Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Prevent Heart Failure
Enhance Immune Response to Infection
Stabilize Blood Sugar
Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Protects Skin
Increase appetite control hormones
Help balance Estrogen levels
Homemade Granola
Makes about 15 portions
300g rolled oats
200g quick oats
3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
3 heaped tbsp honey
1tsp cinnamon
Extra: Cardamon / Cocoa Powder / Fruit puree 0.5 cup
0.5kg mixture of nuts and seeds of your choice
200g dried fruit
100g coconut flakes
Method: Place oats, cinnamon, melted honey and oil into a large bowl and mix well. Add fruit puree if using. I like to use apple or cherry plum unsweetened puree.
Preheat oven to 100°C.
Place oats onto a large baking tray in a thin layer and place in the oven, after ten minutes using a spatula mix well, moving the outer oats to the middle and visa versa.
Repeat after another 5 min until you won't reach the desired roast on your oats.
If using puree, this process will take about 30-40 min. Without puree only about 15-20 min of roasting.
IN a separate bowl mix together all nuts, seeds, dried fruit and coconut.
Take out the tray with roasted oats out of the oven and while still warm mix with the nutty mixture.
Let cool down and place into an airtight container.
TIP: Change your flavours by adding different spices, fruit or puree into your granola.