Top 6 Reasons to Eat Oatmeal Everyday

By : Jodie Shield | 2 Comments | On : January 25, 2019 | Category : Adults, Kids, Seniors, Teens

Discover why nutritionists consider oatmeal the quintessential quick and tasty breakfast with health benefits!

 By: Jodie Shield, MEd, RDN

What’s so hot about oatmeal? This humble breakfast cereal is a nutritional superstar! One bowl of cooked oatmeal provides 150 calories, 4 grams of fiber (half soluble and half insoluble), and get this – – six grams of protein. Oatmeal also contains an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These health attributes apply to all types of oatmeal regular or old-fashioned and instant. But some flavored oatmeals do add sugar and salt, so always check the package label. If these nutritious facts don’t bowl you over, here are the top six reasons to eat oatmeal everyday.

1. Give your heart a break. Studies show eating 3 grams a day of the soluble fiber in oats (beta-glucan) lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol without lowering HDL (good) cholesterol on average by as much as 5-8 percent. Soluble oat fiber also helps smooth blood sugar swings, a benefit for those with diabetes. In food terms, 1 1/2 cups of cooked oatmeal equals 3 grams of beta-glucan.
2. Curtail constipation. The insoluble fiber in oatmeal helps provide a “moving” experience and benefits overall colon health.
3. Curb your appetite. All of the fibers in oatmeal help you feel full, and the protein ensures that feeling last longer. Translation: less midmorning nibbling could add up to calorie savings and help you shed pounds.
4. Go gluten-free. Naturally gluten-free, oats could become tainted with gluten when processed or growing. If you need to avoid gluten, look for oats labled certified gluten-free.
5. Enjoy a quick whole-grain breakfast. It takes less than 5 minutes to prepare both old fashioned and quick oats either on the stovetop or in the microwave. And instant oatmeal is ready in under a minute!
6. Tastes simply amazing. Great oatmeal starts with plain oats, cooked in water or low-fat milk. Top off your bowl with some healthy additions like a sprinkle of cinnamon, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice; swirl in a tad of almond butter; toss in some nuts or dried cranberries. Check out my FREE recipe app Time to Eat Healthy: Homemade Meals in Minutes for more healthy oatmeal recipes like Revved-Up Oatmeal, Orange Cranberry Oatmeal, and Homemade Cinnamon-Raisin Granola.

Photo Credit: Foxys_forest_manufacture Stock photo ID:931231576