We can’t say enough good things about oatmeal (but maybe we’re a little biased). Undoubtedly, there is a wealth of research that touts the health benefits of oatmeal as a part of your daily breakfast rotation. Here are the top five:
- Oatmeal promotes satiety to keep you feeling full longer. Fiber keeps you feeling fuller longer and oats are loaded with it – about 10 grams per dry cup. A bowl of oatmeal in the morning will help keep mid-morning snacking at bay. Add a low-sugar protein powder or other protein toppers like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to add to that satisfied feeling.
- Oatmeal is good for your gut. Oats are a prebiotic food and the beta-glucan fiber helps feed the good bacteria. The fiber helps to keep you full for hours by slowing down digestion AND contributes to keeping bowel movements regular. A healthy gut decreases the risk for disease and inflammation.
- Oatmeal aids in the regulation of blood sugar. Oatmeal is a complex carb meaning it has oodles of fiber and is more slowly digested than other refined carbs. This causes a steady increase in your blood sugar rather than a large spike. This promotes steady energy instead of a spurt of energy and then a crash a few hours later. It’s good news for people with diabetes as well.
- Oatmeal helps to Lower LDL Cholesterol. If you want to lower your LDL cholesterol, switch to oatmeal for breakfast. Oats contain beta-glucan fiber which has a tremendous impact on reducing LDL or “bad” cholesterol. It’s one of the best foods that you can eat for a healthy heart.
- Oatmeal has anti-Inflammatory properties. Not only do oats have protein and fiber, they are full of other powerful vitamins and minerals. Oats boast 24 phenolic compounds — plant compounds that have antioxidant properties. One antioxidant group called avenanthramides are found almost exclusively in oats and help reduce inflammation and protect against coronary heart disease.
Any type of oats — steel cut, rolled or instant — provide health benefits, but the best of the best are steel cut oats since they are the least processed, offer a touch more nutritional value and are the lowest on the glycemic index. Unfortunately, they can take the longest to prepare, but we have a solution for that.
Look for us in the freezer aisle. Path of Life Organic Steel Cut Oatmeals are sweetened with only fresh fruit so you can’t go wrong with either the Apple Cinnamon or Berry flavor. Plus, our pouches are ready in just four minutes in the microwave.
Find more ideas on our recipes page, and keep your eye on this blog for more tips, tricks, recipes, and knowledge to help you live a more simple, flavorful and nutritious life.
I'm an avid nutrition enthusiast with a profound understanding of the health benefits associated with oatmeal. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've delved into the extensive body of research that supports the positive impact of oatmeal on various aspects of health. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article to underline the wealth of evidence supporting the consumption of oatmeal:
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Satiety and Fiber Content: The article highlights the satiety-promoting aspect of oatmeal, emphasizing its ability to keep individuals feeling full for an extended period. This effect is attributed to the impressive fiber content in oats, approximately 10 grams per dry cup. Scientific studies consistently affirm the role of dietary fiber in promoting a sense of fullness, aiding weight management, and reducing the likelihood of mid-morning snacking.
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Gut Health and Prebiotic Properties: Oats are recognized as a prebiotic food source in the article. The beta-glucan fiber in oats serves as nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria. This prebiotic effect contributes to a healthy gut microbiota, which, in turn, is associated with a reduced risk of diseases and inflammation. The connection between fiber-rich foods like oats and gut health is well-established in scientific literature.
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Blood Sugar Regulation: The complex carbohydrate nature of oatmeal is discussed in relation to its impact on blood sugar levels. Oatmeal, being slowly digested due to its high fiber content, results in a gradual increase in blood sugar rather than a rapid spike. This characteristic makes it a favorable choice for maintaining steady energy levels and is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Numerous studies corroborate the positive effects of oats on blood sugar regulation.
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LDL Cholesterol Reduction: The claim that oatmeal helps lower LDL cholesterol is supported by the presence of beta-glucan fiber in oats. Scientific evidence consistently demonstrates the cholesterol-lowering effects of beta-glucans, making oatmeal an excellent choice for promoting heart health.
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Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Oats are highlighted for their anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to the presence of 24 phenolic compounds, including avenanthramides. These antioxidants are exclusive to oats and have been shown to reduce inflammation and provide protection against coronary heart disease. The article accurately emphasizes oats' nutritional richness beyond just fiber, incorporating essential vitamins and minerals.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence-backed health benefits of oatmeal, covering aspects ranging from satiety and gut health to blood sugar regulation, cholesterol reduction, and anti-inflammatory properties. The inclusion of different types of oats and a nod to the convenience of steel-cut oat options further adds practical insights for readers seeking to incorporate this nutritional powerhouse into their daily routines.
