Muffins have an undeserved reputation for being unhealthy, but oat bran muffins made with applesauce, whole-wheat flour, and cholesterol-lowering oat bran can be a healthy source of fiber and fruit. Oat bran is rich in beta-glucan fiber, which offers numerous health benefits. Muffins can be made with various additions such as cranberries, raisins, nuts, and spices. Mixing the batter gently by hand is recommended to avoid a gummy texture, and muffins freeze well for future consumption.
Coffee shops and diners have managed to give muffins a reputation for being sugary, fattening sweets with little nutrition. The truth is, there’s nothing inherent in the muffins themselves that should mark them off-limits to people trying to maintain healthy lifestyles. Done correctly, muffins can provide a healthy dose of fiber plus fruit. Oat bran muffins can be made with applesauce, whole-wheat flour, and cholesterol-lowering oat bran, making them healthy enough for any diet.
It’s common knowledge by now that, consumed regularly, oatmeal can help bring high cholesterol levels back to Earth. Oat bran is a lesser-known treasure. Grinding oats generally means that the bran, which is the husk, is removed and discarded. That’s a shame because bran, which is rich in beta-glucan fiber, offers a myriad of health benefits.
Using applesauce to make oat bran muffins means the cook can reduce the sugar and some of the fat without losing flavor. The applesauce also helps maintain a moist, spongy texture. Eggs provide protein, and when muffins are made with whole-wheat flour and oat bran, the fiber benefits are doubled.
The smart cook knows that children consider muffins something like a very portable cake and will gobble them up with gusto. Making a double batch of batter at the start of the week means the cook can deliver muffins hot from the oven daily. Some additions to oat bran muffins that really hit the spot include cranberries, raisins or other dried fruit, mashed bananas, and apples. Fresh peaches and berries also complement the oat bran muffins.
Walnuts, pecans, or other nuts can be added for a little crunch and for a protein boost. Cinnamon and even a little nutmeg add flavor, and some cooks like to replace white sugar with honey, molasses, or brown sugar. Not only are muffins made with these wholesome ingredients a good breakfast to start your day, but they also make a filling, satisfying, after-school snack for the kids or a midday bite at work.
These muffins are full of healthy goodness, but it’s important not to mix them or the batter can get gummy. Instead of mixing the batter using an electric or handheld mixer, it’s best to mix it gently by hand, folding the eggs, flour, sweetener, and other ingredients together. Oat bran muffins freeze well, so making a few batches ahead of time means they’ll be readily available.
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