What Superfood Granola Does for Your Body
Incorporating superfood granola into your diet is an easy, delicious way to ensure you are getting key nutrients. The term “superfoods” actually refers to a category of foods with very high nutritional density (Medical News Today). This means that they are packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants -- and are generally very low in calories. When superfoods are part of your daily diet, they increase your immune function, reduce inflammation, and help lower cholesterol among many other health benefits (Cleveland Clinic).
What Are the Best Superfoods?
There are many ways to incorporate superfoods into your diet and many different kinds of superfoods. Most superfoods are plant-based and can be included in your diet in a multitude of ways:
- Cinnamon. Cinnamon is known to help reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar and lower cholesterol. Cinnamon Chai gr8nola is a great low-sugar way to get cinnamon in your diet, while enjoying the delicious flavor of a gingersnap cookie.
- Leafy greens. Leafy greens, like kale and spinach, are chock full of vitamins, carotenoids, iron, magnesium and calcium. In fact, "One cup of kale provides 550 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin K, equivalent to over 680 percent of a person’s daily needs" (Medical News Today).
- Berries. Berries contain a high level of flavonoids (WebMD), a dietary antioxidant that protects your cells from oxidative damage. While goji berries and acai berries are often touted for their superfood status, blueberries, raspberries and tart cherries are also considered superfoods.
- Dark chocolate. Yea, seriously. Chocolate makes the list for its high levels of antioxidants derived from cacao powder. However, too much added sugar can negate the positive impact of dark chocolate. When incorporating dark chocolate into your diet, look for low-sugar options to maximize the superfood effects.
- Green tea. On top of green tea’s potent antioxidants, green tea has been shown to have a notable impact on stress levels (Health.com). This powerhouse also is known as an anti-inflammatory. But we get it, not everyone is willing to give up their morning coffee for a green tea. And that’s why we snuck it into Matcha Vibes Gr8nola, a subtly sweet crunch enjoyed by matcha lovers and skeptics alike.
- Chia seeds. Chia seeds are a fantastic source of fiber, antioxidants, iron, zinc and even protein (Healthline). This superfood is great to sneak into your breakfast for added fullness from fiber and a nutrient boost to start your day.
Superfood granola contains one or more superfoods, and therefore it can help deliver the many benefits of superfoods in a tasty, ready-to-eat format. Further, superfood granola contains other key nutrients like healthy fats and fiber. Enjoying superfood granola as a breakfast or snack can help you sneak in all of the benefits of superfoods while satisfying your sweet tooth and crunch cravings.
Types of Superfood Granola Snacks
While there are many ways to enjoy superfoods, the best recipes are easy superfood snacks that seamlessly incorporate into your life. We compiled a few of our favorite recipes for delicious, ridiculously easy superfood-containing snacks. Each recipe is perfect for on-the-go superfood consumption, so you can eat healthy wherever you are.
Superfood Snack Bars
While traditional snack bars are often filled with sugar and processed ingredients, you can make your own superfood snack bars at home with just the good stuff. Some of our favorite recipes for granola bars take only minutes to make. Using a gr8nola base, you can seamlessly incorporate superfoods into your on-the-go bars.
How to Make No-Bake Superfood Granola Bars:
Ingredients
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup nut butter of choice
- 2 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 bag of gr8nola
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 cup slivered almonds
Directions
1. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, melt together the maple syrup, nut butter and coconut oil. Whisk until smooth, then remove from heat.
3. In a food processor, blitz together the gr8nola and rolled oats until there are no chunks -- the goal is to break apart any clusters in the granola so the bars hold together.
4. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, stirring to make sure the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Pour the mixture into the lined 8x8 pan, using the back of the spoon or a spatula to press the mixture firmly into the pan.
6. Place in the freezer for 10-20 minutes, or until the ingredients are set and can be cut cleanly. Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for up to one week!
Superfood Protein Balls
Superfood protein balls are the perfect snack for the busiest of bees. In just one bite, you get a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and superfoods. We love throwing protein balls into our gym bags as a post-workout snack.
How to Make Superfood Protein Energy Bites:
Ingredients
- 1 cup Matcha Green Tea or Golden Turmeric gr8nola
- 1 cup raw walnuts or cashews
- 1 cup pitted dates, soaked in warm water for 5 minutes
- 1 Tbsp. matcha powder, or 1 Tbsp. turmeric powder, depending on gr8nola flavor used
- 2 tsp. maca powder (optional, but provides great energy)
- ½ cup mini dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
- Optional toppings: desiccated coconut flakes, chopped nuts, cacao nibs or extra gr8nola for rolling
Directions
1. In a food processor, combine gr8nola flavor of choice and 1 cup raw nuts. Blitz together until you reach desired consistency.
2. Add the soaked dates, matcha or turmeric powder and maca powder (if using) to the food processor. Blend until all ingredients are combined and formed a sticky, cohesive ball. If the mixture is too dry or crumbly, add a tablespoon of melted coconut oil. If it’s too wet, you can add more gr8nola or a few tablespoons of almond flour. The mixture should be easy to roll together to form balls.
3. If desired, add chocolate chips or cacao nibs, using a spoon to fold the chips in.
4. Using a tablespoon, measure equal amounts of the mixture and use your hands to roll into balls. Place the balls on a plate or cookie sheet. For added crunch and flavor, roll the energy bites in desiccated coconut or other toppings!
5. Store covered at room temperature for 1 week, or freeze for up to a month.
Superfood Trail Mix
If you love a snack with a variety of tastes and textures, granola trail mix is the perfect way to get in your superfood fix. We love loading up our trail mix with tons of superfoods, including gr8nola and dried fruits for an added boost.
How to Make Superfood Trail Mix:
Ingredients (equal parts)
- Gr8nola flavor of choice
- Dried goji berries
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Dried tart cherries
- Dark chocolate chips
Directions
1. Add all ingredients to a large container or zip bag.
2. Shake the bag or container until well-mixed.
3. Keep in an air-tight container for up to a month.
Start Eating Healthy Superfood Snacks Today
Adding superfoods to your diet is immensely important to your overall health. This “super” special category of foods aids your body in immune support and fighting stress. The antioxidants found in superfoods could be your secret weapon against cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and even cognitive diseases like Alzheimers. We hope our list of our favorite superfoods and superfood snacks will help you live an even healthier lifestyle.
If you make one of our top superfood granola snacks, share it with @eatgr8nola on social and we might just repost your creation :)
