Oatmeal is an excellent breakfast choice for many since it can be made quickly and is fairly inexpensive. Oatmeal has many great health benefits, whether you eat it for breakfast or as a snack at any time of the day. Let’s take a look at why oatmeal is so good for you.
What Is Oatmeal?
Oats, or Avena sativa, are a type of whole grain often prepared by being boiled in milk or water and consumed as breakfast cereal. Since the bran and germ of oats are not removed during processing, they are considered a whole grain. For centuries, people have been enjoying the health benefits and delicious taste that come from starting the day with this whole grain staple. It’s unusual to find a comfort food that’s both nutritious and tasty, but this is one of those rare cases if made right.
Various production methods result in the many types of oats available today, such as rolled, steel-cut and instant oats. If you’re looking to include oatmeal into your diet, try Mylk Labs healthy oatmeal cups for an easy meal you can enjoy anytime, anywhere!
What Are the Health Benefits of Oatmeal?
Oatmeal is not only tasty and comforting, but also healthy and versatile. Here are some of the many benefits of including oatmeal in your diet:
High in Vital Nutrients
Oats provide a balanced nutritional profile. According to the USDA, a half cup of dry, quick oats contains approximately 150 calories, 27 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of healthy fiber, plus a few grams of fat. Oatmeal also contains a special type of fiber called beta-glucan which has a long list of benefits which we’ll go over in this article. It also provides a mix of amino acids and protein which serve as the building blocks for your muscles.
Oatmeal also comes with a bunch of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and even a little potassium and calcium. In addition, oats are a good source of several B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9. Taking in enough of these B vitamins is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system, strong muscles, and plenty of energy. Since B vitamins aid in the breakdown of carbs, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, they are also crucial for proper metabolic function.
Improves Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar levels are a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, a disorder that affects a significant percent of the population. Those with higher body weight or type 2 diabetes may benefit most from consuming oats to bring down their blood sugar levels. Research also shows that the beta-glucan fiber found in oats has the potential to increase insulin sensitivity. These benefits are mostly related to beta-glucan’s capacity to produce a thick gel, which delays the digestion process and glucose absorption into the blood.
Contains Antioxidants
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Food Research International found that the polyphenols in oats have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Polyphenols have been found to slow down the aging process and protect cells from disease by reducing stress to the body and damage to cells. In addition, according to a 2017 study in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, polyphenols have been related to defense against cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
Reduces LDL Cholesterol
Worldwide, cardiovascular disease accounts for a staggering percentage of all deaths. High levels of cholesterol in the blood are a key risk factor. The beta-glucan fiber found in oats has been demonstrated in numerous trials to be helpful in lowering both total and LDL cholesterol.
Additionally, oats may prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol. When LDL cholesterol interacts with free radicals, it becomes oxidized, which causes arterial inflammation and tissue damage and can increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke and heart attack.
Helps You Maintain a Healthy Weight
A study published in 2015 in Nutrition Research found that those who eat oatmeal regularly have healthier weights, slimmer waists, and lower body mass indexes than those who do not. They also have a higher Healthy Eating Index score, an indicator of dietary health developed by the USDA. Since oatmeal is a whole grain, it can help with weight control and provides greater nourishment in general.
An article from 2016 in the scientific journal Appetite reports that consuming oatmeal can have a beneficial effect on satiety, the sense of fullness. Participants’ appetite and satiety levels were evaluated before and after eating either oatmeal or oranges for breakfast. Researchers found that those who consumed oatmeal for breakfast not only felt fuller longer but also engaged in less post-breakfast snacking. Try Mylk Labs protein oatmeal for an easy meal that will keep you full for hours!
Allows You To Enjoy a Longer Life
In 2019, researchers from the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology discovered that eating oatmeal could reduce the chance of mortality. They found that eating whole grain oatmeal, was associated with a reduced risk of dying.
The Bottomline
Oatmeal is an extremely healthy food that contains several essential nutrients and antioxidants. It also has more protein and fiber than most other cereals. Lowering blood sugar levels and cholesterol and helping with weight loss are just some of the benefits of including oats in your diet.
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