Main differences between muesli and granola
Breakfast is a wonderful option to start the day. It becomes, in fact, the best way to provide our body with essential nutrients and energy that you will need later in the morning. Although it is true -say, by the way-, as more and more nutritionists say, it is a fallacy that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day".
However, yes it is one hundred percent advisable to have breakfast, given that our body has gone through a long period of fasting while we sleep, so that if we do not eat even something after waking up we will most likely feel lethargic or fatigued after a few hours, especially if we do not tend to eat anything throughout the morning.
In regard to what could be the perfect breakfast, there is no doubt that the most important thing is that breakfast is balanced and as healthy as possible. In this sense, it is very advisable to opt for fresh fruit, whole grains and dairy (if desired). It is clear that we have not named this time the cookies or the typical breakfast cereals.
The reason could be more than clear: the biscuits are not at all suitable, since they provide sugars and fats (which in many cases are saturated, since in its preparation tend to use refined oils). While, in the case of the usual breakfast cereals, they contain a very large amount of sugars, which does not compensate, much less the benefits that these would theoretically bring.
Thus, the best option is always to have whole grains, which stand out for their contribution in complex carbohydrates (that is, they give us energy slowly and do not cause peaks of glucose in the blood), are rich in fiber and also provide B vitamins and minerals.
And, inside the cereals that we could enjoy at breakfast we find two wonderful options: muesli and the big wave. But, what are they? Are they the same food? It is common for many people to confuse them, but in reality they are very different. We explain why.
What is muesli? And the granola? What is the difference between them?
Some things in common
There is no doubt that both granola and muesli become an excellent choice for both breakfast and snack. This is one of the main things they have in common.
Both options are made with grain-based cereals, to which fruits are added(the most common are the apple, coconut or grapes, especially in its dehydrated or dried version) and nuts(usually rolled almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts).
Together with the different nutritional benefits they provide, given that both options stand out for their contribution in complex carbohydrates, vitamins (mainly from group B), and an extremely interesting amount of fiber.
Of course, they also have a common negative issue: we must be careful with the products we find in most supermarkets (as we will see in detail in a later section).
Delicious granola
The granola is a food formed by oat flakes, nuts and other nuts, mixed with honey or oil and whose mixture is finally baked. In this way, you get a crispy and toasted breakfast.
To achieve this, during the baking in the oven, the mixture of rolled oats, nuts and honey is mixed and stirred in order to maintain its typical consistency. In this way we avoid that it cakes up.
Since the cereals and fruits are toasted with honey or oil, it has a higher amount of sugars and calories, compared to muesli.
It was originally created by the American physician James Caleb Jackson in the year 1863, and at that time was baptized with the name of "granule".
And what is muesli?
On the other hand, Muesli is a combination of oats and other whole grains with fruit and nuts. It is also common to add rye and wheat germ. Among fruits, it is common to opt for apples and grapes, and among dried fruits - and dried fruits - walnuts, hazelnuts and raisins.
The main difference with the granola is that the muesli is not originally roasted or cooked in the oven, although it is possible to do so (like the delicious crunchy muesli about whose recipe we talked to you at another time).
In any case, from a nutritional point of view, it contributes a lower amount of sugars and fats.
Its main differences, in summary
- The granola is a combination of oat flakes (or other cereals), fruits, nuts and honey, which are roasted in the oven.
- The muesli has a softer and finer texture, when made with raw cereals, not being roasted in the oven.
Some aspects to consider
We must be careful with the majority of granola and muesli products that we find in supermarkets, since many of them contain an incredibly large amount of sugars.It is more, in the case of the granola, when being elaborated with oil it can contain refined oils.
Therefore, the first thing we must do is read the label of the product that we are going to acquire, and inquire about the ingredients it contains. If we observe in its composition ingredients such as sugar, glucose syrup, refined sunflower oil, palm oil ... It is best to throw it away.
So, what to do? Without a doubt, the best way is to make our own muesli or our own granola at home, using 100 percent natural ingredients. Or, look carefully at the options we buy and choose only the healthiest. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesCereals
