Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for overall health and well-being. Oatmeal, a staple breakfast food enjoyed by many, offers a wide range of health benefits that can positively impact daily life. In this guide, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of incorporating oatmeal into your daily diet, empowering you to make informed choices for a healthier lifestyle.
If you aren’t eating oatmeal everyday, perhaps the following reasons will make you think otherwise. Here’s what happens to your body once you take a bite of oatmeal.
Nutrient-Rich Superfood:
Oatmeal is a nutrient-dense superfood packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is rich in fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, making it a wholesome and nourishing breakfast option.
1. Lower cholesterol
More importantly, oatmeal can lower LDL cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol associated with clogging arteries and increased heart disease risk. Research has shown oatmeal to lower LDL cholesterol by an average of 7%. Why is this? Oatmeal is made of soluble fiber. This fiber produces a viscous gel, helping reduce cholesterol.
2. Stabilize or lower blood sugar
The complex carbohydrates in oatmeal are digested slowly, leading to gradual increases in blood sugar levels and sustained energy throughout the day. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making oatmeal an excellent choice for individuals with diabetes or those seeking to manage blood sugar levels.
Pro-Tip: Not all oatmeal is the same. Steel-cut oats (or Irish oatmeal), pictured below, are the best. They are the most unprocessed of the oats, meaning they are richer in fiber compared to rolled or quick oats. Try to avoid instant oatmeal as that can contain skim milk powder, sugar, and other additives.
3. Give you nutrients and minerals
Oatmeal is high in many nutrients and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, vitamin B1, manganese, phosphorus, copper, selenium, and iron.
4. Weight control
The reason eating 350 calories of oatmeal is more satiating than eating 350 calories of corn flakes may be because oatmeal takes longer to leave the stomach than do corn flakes. Eating oatmeal for breakfast may actually help people with weight loss, as well as weight management.
Supports Weight Management:
Oatmeal is a satisfying and filling breakfast choice that can help support weight management goals. The fiber and protein in oats help increase feelings of fullness and satiety, reducing the likelihood of overeating later in the day and supporting healthy weight maintenance.
5. Protection against heart and colon disease
Oatmeal is a natural source of soluble fiber, which supports digestive health by promoting regularity and preventing constipation. The fiber in oats also acts as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut.
6. Oats are gluten-free
For those with a gluten intolerance, you should know that oats are naturally gluten-free. That said, always check labels to double check this is the case.
7. Oatmeal gives a well balanced diet
Each serving of oatmeal is 95 calories, providing 5 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, 27 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber, and 1 gram of sugar. If you are looking for new oatmeal recipes to try, here are a few new ideas:
– Vegan overnight oats
– Baked oatmeal
Incorporating oatmeal into your daily diet offers a multitude of benefits for women aged 35-55 in the USA, supporting overall health, vitality, and well-being. From promoting heart health and supporting weight management to stabilizing blood sugar levels and boosting digestive health, oatmeal is a nutritional powerhouse that can positively impact your daily life.
By making oatmeal a regular part of your breakfast routine, you can enjoy the numerous health benefits it offers while savoring its comforting and satisfying qualities. As you nourish your body and nourish your soul, embrace the goodness of oatmeal and let it fuel your journey towards a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Here’s to the benefits of eating oatmeal every day and the positive impact it brings to your life!
Bon appétit and happy eating!