This easy coconut oil granola recipe is delicious and good for you. Protein and fiber-rich nuts and oats combined with healthy coconut oils will keep you healthy and satisfied. Once you learn how to make your own granola, you will be reluctant to go back to store bought cereals again.
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How to Make Granola
Ingredients:
6 cups organic rolled oats
1 cup of organic coconut oil
2/3 cup real maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup whole wheat flour or almond meal flour
Directions
Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Melt the coconut oil on medium heat.
Add the maple syrup to the melted coconut oil and pour into the dry ingredients. Mix well. Spread over two cookie sheets and bake for approximately 30 minutes at 300 degrees, stirring half way through the baking time.
Once the granola is lightly browned, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container
This easy homemade granola is so good served with yogurt, on top of ice cream, over fresh fruit, or just as it is. Make your own creamy homemade almond milk to enjoy with your granola.
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
My husband was concerned about the coconut oil. After all, coconut oil is full of saturated fats which we have been told is REALLY BAD for us. But guess what? Coconut oil is actually pretty good for you. Here’s why – although the oil in coconut is saturated, it is composed primarily of medium-chain fatty acids.
These fatty acids are metabolized differently in the body, and these medium-chain fatty acids are primarily made of lauric acid. Lauric acid is good because it can raise the levels of HDL – the good cholesterol in the body. In addition, lauric acid has anti-microbial properties.
Coconut oil does not spoil quickly and is remarkably shelf stable. In contrast, the corn, soy, and canola oils that are now in nearly every packaged food do spoil quickly. They become oxidized, which means they release free radicals, which are contributing to our current health problems including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
There may be a financial reason we were told “coconut oil is BAD”. The United States is not able to produce mass quantities of coconut oil – we don’t have the tropical environment for it. But we CAN produce lots of corn and soy oil. Conveniently, these corn and soy oils are promoted by the USDA as better for us. Just some food for thought. ; )
Coconut oil has been used by many tropical cultures for generations and the coconut has a respected place in their diet and medicines. Not to mention the great taste and texture it provides to our foods. I believe the addition of coconut oil to our diets to be a good thing, and I am happy to learn new recipes with coconut oil, starting with wholesome and simple granola!
~ Michelle