I have been looking for a new snack that would pack a powerful nutrition punch - I thought about some of my favorite foods and decided to create a granola that would be healthy and free of gluten, grains, and dairy, and would also be vegan and paleo friendly. I put together a combination of nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, coconut oil, maple syrup, and spices that not only offers a healthy, delicious snack, but also creates a sweet, wonderful aroma while baking! The recipe can be adjusted based upon individual diet preferences. For instance, if you are not vegan, you can substitute honey for the maple syrup. For those less restrictive with sweeteners, you can choose any other sweetener of choice, but a couple of ideas to try might be agave or coconut sugar. Also, feel free to use other nuts or seeds depending on what you have on hand or what your taste buds prefer! Some good options to consider would be pecans and/or sunflower seeds. If you really want to get creative, consider adding cacao powder, nut butter, or even dairy free chocolate chips after the mix has had time to cool! I love to add this granola mix to coconut or almond milk yogurt for a healthful, mouthwatering crunch. It also is great as a topper for smoothies or oatmeal, or as an addition to baked goods to add a flavorful boost of nutritional value, texture, and taste! Nutritional Spotlight: Almonds are the best whole food source of Vitamin E, and they are also high in magnesium, calcium and potassium. They are also high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats to help keep you fuller longer, regulate blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. Cashews are great for cardiovascular health due to their healthy monounsaturated fats. They also have antioxidants to help eliminate free radicals that could potentially cause some cancers. The high copper, magnesium, and phosphorus content in cashews can help support healthy muscles, bones, and joints. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fats, fiber, and antioxidants that can help decrease inflammation and aid in digestion. They are also a good source of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid(ALA), which may help with heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Pumpkin seeds are also high in ALA, making them great for heart health. Pumpkin seeds are also one of the healthiest and most natural forms of plant based protein. The healthy fats and protein in pumpkin seeds make them great for strong, shiny hair. Flax Seeds are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and they are also anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Flax seeds are very high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients are what give flax seeds their power to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Chia Seeds are also anti-inflammatory and help to regulate blood sugar. They have high amounts of fiber, calcium, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making them great for healthy hair, skin, nails, joints, and digestion. Hemp seeds offer a complete plant protein, containing 20 amino acids, including 9 essential amino acids. Additionally, they provide the body with vitamins A, C, E, B6, potassium, iron, magnesium, phytonutrients, and zinc. Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) found in hemp seeds can even help to balance the hormones and reduce symptoms of PMS and Menopause. Coconut contains high amounts of antioxidants, healthy fats, and antibacterial properties that help to lower cholesterol, boost metabolism, and stimulate immunity. Coconut is also low in sugar and high in fiber, which is great for digestion and metabolic health. As you can see, this recipe is both delicious and nutritious! I hope you enjoy :)
Ingredients:
1 Cup Almonds
1 Cup Cashews
1 Cup Walnuts
1/2 Cup Pumpkin Seeds
1/2 Cup Coconut Flakes
1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
2 Tbsp. Hemp Seeds
2 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
2 Tbsp. Flax Seeds
2 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp. Nutmeg
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F
Toss all nuts, seeds and spices in a bowl
Melt coconut oil in another bowl, and then stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract.
Pour the liquid ingredients on top of the nut and seed mixture.
Place on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Let cool for 10 minutes. Enjoy!
*Can be stored in an air tight container at room temperature for about 10 days*
