Healthy Homemade Granola

Granola may sound like a healthy, natural food, but it does not always live up to its reputation. Store-bought granola often contains unhealthy ingredients, such as high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. Regular consumption of these ingredients may cause weight gain and increase your risk of heart disease. Make your own healthy granola at home based on a recipe by author Pam Anderson in her book "The Perfect Recipe for Losing Weight and Eating Great."

Ingredients

You will need 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, ½ cup wheat germ and 1/4 tsp. salt. Use 1/4 cup of maple syrup as the sweetener and 3 tbsp. of canola oil for the fat. Healthy additions include 1/4 cup slivered almonds, 2 tbsp. sesame seeds, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds and 1/2 cup raisins.

Method

Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 13-inch by 9-inch pan with parchment paper. Stir together the oats, wheat germ, salt, almonds, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. Mix together the maple syrup, the canola oil and 2 tbsp. water in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour it over the oat mixture and stir to combine. Spread the mixture into the pan and use a spoon or your hand to form nuggets. Bake for 25 minutes and stir in the raisins. Return to the oven and bake about 20 minutes longer, until the oats are golden brown.

Nutrition

This granola recipe makes 1 quart and contains about 120 calories per 1/4-cup serving. The oats count as a whole grain and provide fiber to protect colon health and lower cholesterol. The canola oil is an unsaturated fat that promotes heart health, especially when used instead of hydrogenated oils. The nuts and seeds are additional sources of unsaturated fats and provide magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin E. The sesame seeds provide calcium and iron as well.

Additions

Vary the ingredients in your granola but still maintain its healthy qualities. Use walnuts instead of almonds to provide omega-3 fatty acids, which help with brain function and heart health. Dried apricots, cherries, cranberries or dates may be added in addition to, or instead of, the raisins. These fruits provide fiber and a concentrated source of nutrients. When cooking the syrup mixture, add 1 tsp. of vanilla or ½ tsp. of grated orange zest for extra flavor.