Top Reasons You Should Be Eating More Oatmeal

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Most people think of oatmeal as a terrific breakfast idea, and it is! Of course, you can always eat it anytime the mood strikes you. Oatmeal is a great snack or even a nice change of pace for a quick and easy evening meal. (Tell your kids it’s breakfast for dinner and let them eat in their pajamas, they will totally go for it!)

You don’t have to tell your kids that it’s super healthy. They don’t have to know that it’s loaded with fiber. Take a look at the top reasons you should be eating, and serving, more oatmeal:

1. Protects Your Heart

Oatmeal is rich in a plant chemical called lignans, which helps to protect us from heart disease. Lignans are found in other foods, such as broccoli and apricots, but what better way to protect your heart than some delicious oatmeal?

2. Really Fills You Up

Oatmeal is simply loaded with fiber, which makes you feel fuller, longer. That might mean you won’t be tempted to snack between breakfast and lunch. The journal Nutrition published a study earlier in 2014 that showed that subjects who consumed oatmeal felt fuller for a longer period of time than those who ate cereal in the morning.

3. Great Source of Nutrition

Oatmeal is a tasty way to get many nutrients and vitamins including zinc, selenium, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, and vitamin E. We haven’t even talked about all the health benefits you can get from the fruits you might mix into your oatmeal such as blueberries (antioxidant power!), bananas (potassium powerhouse), or dried fruits (vitamin C and even more fiber).

4. Super Protein Power

With about 5 grams of protein per serving, oatmeal is a terrific way to get a head start on your day. Protein is a source of energy that the body takes a long time to break down. Therefore, it lasts longer than other sources of energy that your body will draw on, such as carbs. Protein is absolutely essential for your body to function. If you don’t get enough protein, your muscles will become achy after even a small amount of exertion. If you are going to work out or perform some physical labor, keep those muscles working smoothly and pain free by eating some oatmeal!

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. Lowers Cholesterol

High fiber foods are known to lower cholesterol levels and oatmeal is right up there as one of the highest fiber foods around. Oatmeal has soluble fiber which helps to reduce how much cholesterol your body can absorb from foods. Lower levels of cholesterol means that you will have a lower risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. Read more how to reduce cholesterol level.

6. Lowers Your Risk of Cancer

The British Medical Journal published a review in 2011 that showed that, for those who consumed 90 grams of fiber via whole grains, like oatmeal, had a 20 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer than those who didn’t. Eating more high-fiber, whole grain foods is good news for those of us looking to avoid cancer. (And who isn’t?!)

7. It’s Cheap!

On top of all these health benefits, oatmeal is super inexpensive! You can buy a really big container of rolled oats for less than 4 bucks in most areas. Most people find oatmeal runs about 20 cents per serving! Where can you get this much nutrition for so little money? Find out more super cheap and super healthy foods.

Super Bonus – Oatmeal need never be boring.

There is almost no end to the ways you can make tasty, interesting dishes with oatmeal. Top it with a fried egg and bake it with some avocado. Or try making an oatmeal and carrot cake. You can add toasted coconut to it, Nutella, fruit, almond butter, nuts, a little vanilla extract, cinnamon, chia seeds, or jam.

References:

Nutritionj.com

Livescience.com

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