WHAT MAKES MUESLI A SUPERFOOD
A combination of cereal grains, fruit and nuts is the most healthy choice to start your day, and muesli proves to be the most convenient combination.
Every health conscious person will ask you to add muesli to your diet which ideally consists of cereals with milk, garnished with diced seasonal fruits and nuts. Discovered in the 1900’s, muesli is a famous healthy breakfast cereal that is made with uncooked rolled oats, nuts and fruits. It contains all the requirements of a good diet such as fibre, protein and calcium. It is believed that ONE bowl of it for breakfast equals TWO fruits and all the needed protein and fibre for the rest of the day.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
– Muesli typically has less sugar and calories than most breakfast cereals on the supermarket shelves. This mixture has absolutely no cholesterol and trans-fats. It’s high in fibre and whole grains, which regulate the digestive system and can aid in weight control.
– It is a potent source of antioxidants. The addition of nuts provides a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids (especially walnuts).
– Made with multi-grains and cereals, it provides instant energy and is a better alternative to high calorie snack bars to curb hunger pangs. The best part is that this food is very filling and keeps you full for a longer period, so that you don’t end up snacking on unhealthy food.
Muesli at Home in 4 easy steps
Make your muesli exactly the way you like it. Feel free to stick to the cereals, nuts and fruits that you like.
- Preheat the oven to 160°C.
- Place the oats, flaked bran or wheat germ, barley or rye flakes, hazelnuts and almonds on a large baking tray and toast in the oven for 10 minutes, shaking and turning in the tray halfway through. Take the tray from the oven and leave to cool. This should take only about 10 minutes.
- Mix the toasted ingredients with the raisins, apricots and figs. These fruits are only suggestions. You can use whatever you prefer, for example dried apple, mango, papaya, dates or cherries.
- You can eat this muesli straight away with milk or yoghurt, or you can store it in an airtight container.
Muesli for Amazing Skin
It acts as a natural moisturiser. It contains beta-glucan that forms a fine film on your skin as well as penetrates deep into the skin to provide much needed moisturising. It enhances wound healing and shallow abrasions and improves collagen deposition and activation of immune cells within the skin. It is known for its skin lightening effects, as well as improving the complexion and texture, and smoothing out blotchy areas. It is increasingly used in cosmetology in various skincare products such as body scrubs, soaps and exfoliating creams.
Homemade Tricks:
– To get rid of dryness you can make a facial mask by mixing a mashed banana with a cup of ground muesli and adding some lukewarm milk. Stir it properly to make it smooth and apply it all over your face for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. This will help in replenishing the skin moisture, keeping it soft and hydrated.
– Boil some muesli till it softens and let it cool for 15 minutes. Apply it on the affected area and rinse off after 10 minutes. This will absorb and remove excess oil and bacteria from your skin and exfoliate dead skin cells, thus helping to combat acne.
– The healthy cereal has anti-inflammatory properties and is suitable for all skin types. It is clinically effective in healing dry and itchy skin. When grounded into powder it is known as colloidal oatmeal. This powder can be mixed with warm water to form a thick paste and applied over itchy skin to get immediate relief from intense itching.
Try Bagrry’s Crunchy Muesli with Almonds, Raisins and Honey – a perfect blend of nature’s bounty that combines the pure goodness of essential fatty acids. You could also try Kellogg‘s Extra Muesli Fruit Magic, VLCC Slimmer’s Multi Grain Muesli, Nourish Organics Honey Crunch Muesli. Make it a part of a healthy breakfast routine or munch it anytime, anywhere.
Expert consulted: Nutritionist, Kavita Devgan.
