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Granola could be a great healthy choice; however, numerous companies make deceptive promises that seem nutritious. Most store-bought granolas have prominently displayed terms like "gluten-free," "whole-grain," or "high-protein" on their package. Furthermore, minuscule portion sizes are sometimes listed on nutrition labels; this is usually done to disguise added sugar. Those labels and health claims might be confusing, so it helps to know what to look for. The main objective is to help you comprehend what you're eating, not to worry about what's healthy, but to empower you to make decisions about what's best for you.
Check The Sugar Content
Granola often has a high sugar content. A portion of the sugar will come from the dried fruits, but additional sugar with a different label might account for the remaining portion. The sugar is sometimes referred to as evaporated cane juice, molasses, brown rice syrup, and agave. Although certain naturally occurring sugars are good for you, it's always advisable to check the ingredient list for added sugars and keep your intake of sugar to six grams or less per serving.
Check The Fats
Granola's fat helps to hold its component pieces together. Nuts may also supply extra fat, which is beneficial. Verify the sort of fat that has been added, since some types—such as refined oils, vegetable shortenings, and palm oil—might not be best for your heart.
Don't Get Blinded By Brands
Food corporations can make any food product look healthy thanks to their talented marketing staff. It's important to check the ingredient list first because of this. Long ingredient lists on granola bars and other packaged foods are typically signs of increased processing, an abundance of chemicals and preservatives, and decreased nutritional value.
Generally speaking, a shorter ingredient list is preferable. Seek for familiar components such as dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and oats.
Prioritise Fibre
After a meal or snack, fibre and protein can both help you feel full. Look for granola bars with a minimum of 3 grams of fibre. Look for foods listed on the ingredients label that are high in fibre to determine whether the fibre is coming from whole foods. These consist of components including nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and oats or other whole grains.
Check Allergens
As you look to select a healthy granola, be sure to take into account any dietary limitations or allergies you may have. Granola which is dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, low-sugar, and even nut-free is readily available on the market these days. Seek for labels on granola packets that identify common allergies; nevertheless, make sure the granola fits your needs by carefully reading the contents list as well.
