Is It A Real Superfood!?

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Oatmeal has been highly rated in terms of  health for many years. Studies have shown that it is packed healthy elements such as fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals.

Eating oatmeal for breakfast provides you with calories, protein, and fat needed to fuel and energize your body at the start of each new day. These nutrients not only give you energy, but also help to maintain muscle mass, body fluids, and tissues.

There are various ways to eat oats, which are easy to prepare or available to purchase ready-to-eat.

  • Oats can be crushed or rolled.
  • Oatmeal porridge is a popular breakfast cereal.
  • Oats are attainable in baked goods, special breads, and oaten cookies.
  • You can make your own muesli and granola mix or opt to purchase the mixture ready-to-eat.

Basically, oatmeal in any form makes a delicious healthy breakfast.

 

The nutritional profile of oatmeal.

Some oats are fortified, which means that additional nutrients have been added to increase the health value. However, even old-style oats which are not fortified are rich in health-giving nutrients.

  • Oats contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, and keeps blood sugar levels stable. Insoluble fiber helps to keep you “regular” and improves intestinal health.
  • An excellent source of fiber known as beta-glucan is also found in oats. Beta-glucans are very effective in the treatment of high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, and aids.
  •  Oatmeal is loaded with trace minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, manganese, and selenium.
  • Vitamin B6 and vitamin B1 (thiamine) are also present.

Oatmeal is also a source of healthy carbohydrates in the form of dietary fiber, which helps to maintain good digestion.

 

Health benefits of oats.

Here are some of the health benefits you can expect after adding oats to your diet.

  • Gluten-free oats are excellent for those who are gluten-intolerant or have celiac disease.
  • The minerals in oatmeal support the immune system, promote healthy bones and teeth, and aid in the good production of red blood cells.
  • The stand-out mineral in oats in undoubtedly manganese, which plays a role in body connective tissue, healthy bones, blood-clotting factors, and healthy sex hormones. In addition, manganese also aids in the use of energy, absorption of calcium, and it is necessary for normal brain function.
  • The B vitamins, B1 and B6, promote proper growth, keep the nervous system up to speed, and maintain red blood corpuscle health.
  • The fiber in oatmeal prevents constipation, keeps the colon clean, and lowers cholesterol, decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • If you are trying to be weight conscious, the fiber content in oats takes longer to digest, which allows you to feel fuller longer and alleviates hunger pangs.

Research has indeed proved that oats are a true super food with a treasure trove of health benefits.

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