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.
FAQs
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. If you're ready to start your morning with a bowl of oats, try our Cinnamon-Roll Overnight Oats.
What is the biggest benefit of oatmeal? ›
Benefits include lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, protection against skin irritation, and reduced constipation. In addition, they are very filling, can be enjoyed several ways, and have many properties that should make them a food helpful for weight loss.
What is the most beneficial way to eat oatmeal? ›
Adding nutritious toppings to oatmeal can boost its flavor and contribute to its health benefits. Try adding fruit for sweetness, veggies or eggs for a savory twist, or sources of protein and fat to make it a balanced meal.
What are the positives and negatives of oatmeal? ›
Oats are a good source of carbohydrates and overeating may lead to an increase in your weight. As it is bland in nature, overconsuming oats may lead to an increase in sugar intake. Opting for an oats-only diet may deprive your body of getting nourishment from other healthy food sources.
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. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge.
Is it better to eat Oatmeal in the morning or at night? ›
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.
Is oatmeal good for the kidneys? ›
This means oatmeal is a good food choice for people who have conditions that lead to kidney damage, like heart failure, high blood pressure, and diabetes. A small 2018 study on 50 people with chronic kidney disease found that eating oatmeal helps kidney function.
What does eating oatmeal everyday do to your stomach? ›
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.
Is Quaker instant oatmeal healthy? ›
Just like rolled oats and steel cut oats, instant oatmeal is a nutrient-dense whole grain with many health benefits. Instant oats are a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also deliver a good amount of protein and fat.
Why is oatmeal so important to the body? ›
Oatmeal is nutritionally rich. It has more protein than most grains and also contains numerous vitamins and minerals. It contains antioxidants and a soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which aids several systems of the body. The beta-glucan soluble fiber promotes regular emptying of the bowel and prevents constipation.
To follow this 7-day diet, people start off with eating just oatmeal for all three meals of the day for the first two days, followed by eating oatmeal for at least two meals of the day for the next two days. Finally, dieters consume oatmeal for just one meal of the day for the remaining three days.
What does oatmeal do for your skin? ›
Ground oatmeal can work as an exfoliant, sloughing away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. It can moisturize, and reduce inflammation, meaning people often use it as a home remedy for dry, itchy, or irritated skin. Doctors typically recommend that people use colloidal oatmeal for their skin.
Is eating oatmeal everyday good for lowering cholesterol? ›
Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream.
