What is the Healthiest Oatmeal? (2024)

FAQs

What is the Healthiest Oatmeal? ›

Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed.

For this reason, steel-cut or rolled oats may be the best choice to support better blood sugar control. However, quick oats can also be included in a balanced diet by pairing them with toppings high in protein or fat, such as nuts or seeds, to support blood sugar control ( 12 ).

Metric per metric, rolled oats and steel cut oats are almost the same when it comes to nutritional value. However, steel cut oats beat out rolled oats in two areas, fiber content and density, which make steel cut oats the best bang for your nutritional buck.

One of the healthiest

At only 100 calories and loaded with heart healthy whole oats and fiber, it's great to eat a few times a week to make weight loss goals. It's also very quick and easy to make for breakfast.

So — what's the healthiest type of oat? Frankly, all of them. All types of oats — even instant oats — are whole grains and are good sources of fiber and plant-based protein. The nutrition only varies slightly between each type of oat, with the major differences being cook time, texture, and flavor.

Eating steel cut oats every day? Not a bad idea if you want to control your blood sugar levels. One small study found that consuming high fiber foods, like oats, might be associated with a decreased risk of diabetes. Further research also links oat intake with lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect. As a breakfast food and mid-meal snack, oatmeal is potentially a better option than the majority of foods available in the market.

"Steel-cut oats, in particular, can help to lower cholesterol and are high in soluble fiber." According to a 2015 study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, whole-grain oats are known to be the best whole grain for lowering LDL cholesterol numbers.

You can add them as a topping to your favorite yogurt or blend them into a smoothie. One easy and nutritious way to enjoy raw oats is to make overnight oats by letting them soak in the refrigerator in water or milk. This allows them to absorb the liquid, making them easily digestible in the morning.

Which Quaker oats are healthiest? ›

There aren't any major differences in the nutrition benefits of the three types of oats. All forms of oats are 100% whole grain, a good source of fiber and have the same nutritional information – same calories, fiber and protein per serving.

Studies suggest that cooking oatmeal in a microwave may be better than boiling them over a stove. The microwave cooks food faster. Hence, the nutrient loss may be lower due to shortened cooking time than boiling or cooking over a stove.

In fact, in the USDA nutrient database, instant oatmeal possesses the same nutritional profile as regular or quick-cooking oatmeal. The only difference lies in the glycemic index, which is a measurement of how quickly a food increases your blood sugar within a two-hour period.

Types of Oats

The least processed oats, like groats or steel-cut, generally take longer to digest so they have a lower glycemic index than rolled or instant oats. Oat Groats: The whole oat kernels that have been cleaned, with only the loose, inedible hulls removed. Groats contain the intact germ, endosperm, and bran.

Quinoa is a great oatmeal alternative as it has rich protein and fiber contents, which help keep you satiated and slow the rise of your blood sugar post-meal. One cup of cooked quinoa packs about 40 grams of carbs, 8 grams of protein, 5 grams of dietary fiber and 3 grams of healthy fats.

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Groats are the purest form of oatmeal. They are made from hulled grains, which are then toasted to make them more edible. Groats are considered the healthiest oatmeal because they go through very little processing. Because the grains are still whole, nutrients stay intact.

According to the nutritionist, steel-cut and rolled oats are the best. These have high fiber content, hence good for those suffering from constipation.

What happens if I eat steel-cut oats every morning? ›

Steel-cut oats have several amazing health benefits. They boost heart health by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, help with diabetes management and blood sugar control, keep you feeling full for longer, and can prevent or relieve constipation.

But if you know you're having oats the next day, the best way to get dreamy oats is by soaking them overnight in cool water. Soaking not only softens the oats, but it also makes them more tender, quicker to cook, and easier to digest.

Steel-cut oats are an excellent soluble fiber to add to the diet that also acts as a prebiotic food. These oats are beneficial to promote anti-inflammatory integrity in the intestinal bacteria. Steel-cut oats are less processed than old fashion rolled oats and have a lower Glycemix Index.

One cup of cooked oatmeal is a healthy serving size, says Jessica Crandall Snyder, RDN, CDCES, the CEO of Vital RD in Centennial, Colorado. That amount will contain 154 calories, 27 grams (g) of carbs, and 4 g of fiber, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

People should start with oatmeal two to four times a week and work their way up to daily servings, he says. It may be beneficial to have a large glass of water with oatmeal to help move the fiber through the GI tract to reduce bloating and stomach pain.

Is Cinnamon Oatmeal Healthy? Yes! Eating cinnamon and oats in the morning is a great way start to your day. Oatmeal is heart-healthy, rich in carbohydrates to boost your energy for the day.

A serving of Cheerios has just a single gram of soluble fiber — that means it could take 10-plus bowls of Cheerios — daily — to effectively lower LDL cholesterol. Oatmeal is a little better, with 2 grams of soluble fiber per serving – but still… five bowls??

For a boost of calcium and creamy flavor, make oatmeal with low-fat milk or plant-based milk instead of water. Or, try making it with apple cider instead for a boost of flavor. The ratio of liquid to oats stays the same, so you can easily make this switch.

Are oatmeal packets healthy? ›

Instant oats are a great everyday choice for breakfast since they have beta glucan, a soluble fiber that's been shown to reduce cholesterol and may also reduce blood sugar and insulin levels.

Quaker^® Lightly Sweetened Apples & Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal

One serving (29 g) of Quaker^® instant oatmeal supplies 30% of the daily amount of fibres shown to help reduce cholesterol. Part of a heart-healthy diet. A healthy diet low in saturated and trans fat may reduce the risk of heart disease.

There are many varieties of porridge oats, including rolled, quick and instant. Regardless of the type, shape or size, all porridge oats are wholegrains and they all contain a soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which can help lower your cholesterol level if you have 3g or more of it daily, as part of a healthy diet.

Although oatmeal is high in carbohydrates, the less processed it is, the lower it is on the glycemic index (GI), per the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Meaning: It's more slowly digested and metabolized, resulting in a lower rise in blood sugar.

Oats refer to whole grain oats which are cylindrical in shape and are in raw and unprocessed form. They are often fed to livestock. Oatmeal is typically rolled oats and is cut thinly so that they can be cooked within a few minutes.

Simple tip #1: Make oatmeal with milk (or a non-dairy alternative) versus water. Not only does oatmeal made with water taste way less delicious, but you're also missing out on the extra protein staying power that milk will add to the breakfast. Water will also make the oats more gummy instead of creamy.

The short answer is that there's no best way to eat oats. Overnight oats are, by definition, served cold in the morning. Overnight oats are oats that are soaked in a liquid overnight so that the oats can absorb the liquid - no heating up necessary.

When you add your oats to the water determines the consistency of your oatmeal. If you bring your water to a boil and then add your oats, you'll have a more textured, toothsome oatmeal. If you add your oatmeal to cold water and then bring them up to a boil together, the oatmeal will be a little more creamy.

Metric per metric, rolled oats and steel cut oats are almost the same when it comes to nutritional value. However, steel cut oats beat out rolled oats in two areas, fiber content and density, which make steel cut oats the best bang for your nutritional buck.

Nutritionally, steel-cut oats and quick oats are the same, with the exception of instant oatmeal packets, which often contain added sugar. The main differences between the two lie in taste and texture as well as cooking time.

Is peanut butter good for you to eat? ›

Peanut butter is loaded with so many good, health-promoting nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium and vitamin B6. Research shows that people who regularly eat nuts and nut butter, including peanut butter, are less likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Whatever you do, steer clear of the worst offenders: dried fruit with added sugars, like Craisins or dried pineapple. "These are almost always made with added sugar, if not also an artificial sweetener, says Pennsylvania-based RD Gina Consalvo. "Always choose a fresh fruit instead." Need hard proof?

5. Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking lots of water while eating oatmeal is essential for proper digestion and can help prevent gas after eating. Staying hydrated will also ensure that your oats are fully cooked so they aren't too hard or chewy, which can trigger gas-producing bacteria in the stomach.

Directions: Bring water or milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in oats, reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes or until oats are of desired texture.

Oat groats are the oat grains in their rawest state—essentially the whole, intact kernel. Groats should be cooked, as they are more easily digestible if you do so. Because they're so unprocessed, they take the most cook time to soften.

They contain healthy amounts of fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants. Oatmeal, in particular, has also been linked to many health benefits, including weight, cholesterol, and diabetes management, as well as general cardiovascular health.

Oatmeal. Is oatmeal easy to digest? You'll want to stay away from packaged instant oatmeal because of the amount of added sugar, but oatmeal made from raw oats and flavoured with honey is one of the most easily digested foods out there. It's also one of the most nutritious whole grains.

Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect. As a breakfast food and mid-meal snack, oatmeal is potentially a better option than the majority of foods available in the market.

In fact, in the USDA nutrient database, instant oatmeal possesses the same nutritional profile as regular or quick-cooking oatmeal. The only difference lies in the glycemic index, which is a measurement of how quickly a food increases your blood sugar within a two-hour period.

Eating oats at breakfast can keep you feeling full till lunchtime, thus reducing your need for a mid-morning snack. Eating oats at night can stabilize your blood sugar levels, prevent mid-night cravings, and improve your sleep quality .

Do oats spike blood sugar? ›

Oatmeals have a low glycemic index of about 55. It means that consuming oatmeal does not cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. In addition, oatmeals are high in fibre content and help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels and fulfil the daily ideal fibre intake.

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

Eating oatmeal three times a day has numerous potential health benefits. It is high in fiber, which can help reduce your cholesterol levels and keep your digestive system regular. Oats also contain antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that help boost your immune system and keep your energy levels up.

Steel-Cut Oats

Out of the different types of oats, these take the longest to cook because they are minimally processed. Studies show that less processed oats are more effective at lowering cholesterol than highly processed oats, making steel cut oats one of the best choices for improving your LDL numbers (14).

There's nothing wrong with microwaving porridge, especially if you are in a rush in the morning. Instant porridge is fine if you stay away from flavoured or sweetened versions. Even healthy-sounding flavours such as apple and blueberry generally contain added sugars.

Steel cut oats are rich in protein and fiber, improving fullness and helping to provide the macronutrient building blocks of a healthy diet. They are also an excellent source of: Vitamin B Complex. Iron.

Oats contain a type of soluble fiber, called beta glucan, which lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels, thus reducing risk of heart disease and diabetes. Beta glucan also promotes healthy gut bacteria and intestinal health.

One of many essential healthy oatmeal tips: Keep portion size in mind. One cup of cooked oatmeal is a healthy serving size, says Jessica Crandall Snyder, RDN, CDCES, the CEO of Vital RD in Centennial, Colorado.

They are minimally processed to slow digestion. Protein or healthy fat: Enjoy oats with a protein or healthy fat such as eggs, nut butter, or Greek yogurt. Adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds can add protein and healthy fat, which can help stabilize your blood sugar.

Adding fruit is a great way to sweeten your oats without added sugars. However, if you need a little more sweetness, consider maple syrup, coconut sugar, honey, agave, etc. My go-to way to sweeten oats is to add 1 tablespoon maple syrup per serving of oats.

Which oatmeal is best for diabetics? ›

Steel-cut oats are best for type 2 diabetes because they are the least-processed version of oat groats. “Rolled oats have a higher GI than steel-cut oats as they actually have been partially cooked, making them increase your blood sugar faster,” says Kaufman.