Superfood Cacao Granola

A hearty granola packed with oats, seeds and nuts makes the perfect concoction of protein, fiber, sugar, and carbohydrate to fuel a busy body (like me).  Surprisingly, I haven't tried to make it myself until today.   Made with whole oats, protein-packed hemp seeds, fiber from chia seeds and flax, hormone balancing maca, crunch from pumpkin seeds, walnuts and pecans, and some sweet-spice with cinnamon, raw cacao, ginger and sea salt.   Find the recipe and more benefits below. 

Ingredient Benefits

• Coconut Oil: Slows the digestion of the granola, helping to prevent spikes in blood sugar and giving you longer-lasting energy.
• Nuts and Seeds: For a boost of protein and healthy fat as well as flavor and texture.
  
• Ginger: Can reduce inflammation, which may cause depression.
  
• Honey: Packed with antioxidants and better for blood sugar levels than regular sugar.

Ingredients 

• 3 cups whole oats
• 2 tablespoons each: hemp seeds, chia seeds, maca powder, cacao powder
  
• 3/4 cup each: Walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds 
• 3-4 dates, diced
• 1 teaspoon each:  Salt, turmeric, cinnamon 
• 1/3 Cup: Coconut Oil 
• 2 Tablespoons: Honey 

Directions
Heat oven to 275.
Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Heat up coconut oil and honey and drizzle over the mixture.  Spread mix on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. 
Bake for 45-60 minutes, mixing every 15 minutes. 

Store in dry containers and enjoy.