Oats offer many science-backed health benefits, including:
- weight loss
- reduced risk of heart disease
- lower blood sugar
In this article, we list the potential benefits of oatmeal and provide its nutritional information. The benefits include:
1. Providing antioxidants
Oatmeal contains high levels of antioxidants.
Specifically, it contains polyphenols, which are plant-based compounds that are rich in avenanthramides.
Avenanthramides are a type of antioxidant that exists almost exclusively in oats.
Avenanthramides can benefit people by:
- increasing the production of nitric acid, which can lower blood pressure
- improving blood flow
- reducing inflammation and itching
2. Improving insulin response and reducing blood sugar
Oatmeal contains a soluble fiber called beta-glucan that can help improve insulin response and possibly reduce blood sugar too.
People with type 2 diabetes may find that incorporating oatmeal into their diet helps them manage their blood sugar levels, as long as they do not add extra sugar to the dish.
A review of research on the benefits of oatmeal for people with type 2 diabetes found that oatmeal has a positive effect on blood sugar control. The authors stated that more research is necessary to test the safety of oatmeal for people with type 1 diabetes.
3. Providing plenty of vitamins and minerals
Oatmeal is a nutrient-rich food that contains many vitamins and minerals while being low in calories.
Eating low-calorie foods that are high in nutrients can provide a person with the nutrients that their body needs while helping them lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Oatmeal contains:
- magnesium
- iron
- phosphorus
- zinc
- folate
- copper
- vitamins B-1 and B-5
There is some evidence to back up the claim that oatmeal can support healthy cholesterol levels due to its beta-glucan content.
A 2014 review determined that oatmeal can reduce total cholesterol levels if people consume 3 grams (g) or more of beta-glucan a day.
According to the research, beta glucan decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or “bad cholesterol,” but did not affect high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or “good cholesterol.”
5. Promoting healthful bacteria in the digestive tract
The beta-glucan in oatmeal forms a gel-like substance when it mixes with water. This solution coats the stomach and digestive tract.
The coating feeds good bacteria in the gut, which increases their growth rate and can contribute to a healthy gut.
A small study examining oatmeal’s effect on bacterial growth found that it could have a positive effect.
Oatmeal includes several key nutrients.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, one cup of cooked oatmeal contains:
- 166 calories
- 5.94 g of protein
- 4.00 g of dietary fiber
- 3.56 g of fat
How to make oatmeal
Oatmeal is available in several different varieties, including:
- oat groat
- steel-cut
- crushed
- rolled
Oat groat takes the longest to cook, as it comprises whole oats. Steel-cut, crushed, and rolled oats take less time to prepare.
Unless the packaging says otherwise, people can make oatmeal by boiling the oats in cow’s milk, plant-based milk, or water. Cooking times will vary and can range from 10 to 60 minutes.
To cook oatmeal, a person should follow the instructions on the packaging. The steps will usually involve:
- bringing 1.5 cups of milk or water to the boil
- stirring in one-half of a cup of oats
- reducing the heat to medium
- simmering for 10 to 20 minutes for steel-cut, crushed, or rolled oats
- simmering for 50 to 60 minutes for oat groat
- stirring in additional optional ingredients, such as spices or sweeteners
Although instant varieties of oatmeal usually cook very quickly, they are also the most processed. Instant oatmeal often contains added sugar and preservatives.
Summary
Oatmeal is one of the most nutritious breakfast foods. It may help a person lose weight, reduce their risk of heart disease, and lower their blood sugar levels.
It is best to choose varieties of oatmeal that are less processed and to limit added sugars.
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