Lunch: Energizing Granola Recipe

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Cinnamon, Wheat Germ, Sesame Seeds, Cranberries, Honey, Nuts, Walnuts

Health and fertility benefits of Energizing Granola Recipe

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060). Wheatgerm is a natural source of Inositol, which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS due to its ability to effectively reduce insulin resistance and improve insulin sensitivity. Sesame seeds help with progesterone balance. Lignans found in in sesame seeds help to prevent excess estrogen production. Researchers believe that cranberries contain substances that prevent infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. However, store-bought cranberry juice is typically all sugar - so make sure to stick with straight cranberries. One tbsp of honey has a glycemic index (GI) of 55. Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity. Walnuts are low on the glycemic index. What’s more, they also lower the glycemic index of other foods that you eat in conjunction with these nuts. Any kind of nuts provide a healthy source of fat and a great way to encourage PCOS weight loss.

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup unsalted sunflower kernels
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup flaked coconut
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon canola oil
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup dried banana chips

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine the water, honey, molasses and oil. Heat for 3-4 minutes over medium until heated through. Remove from the heat; stir in the vanilla, salt and cinnamon. Pour over the oat mixture; stir to coat.
Transfer to a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 ° for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring every 10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Stir in dried fruits. Store in an airtight container.

Add a review for Energizing Granola Recipe