Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it is essential that you know which foods are best eaten in the morning. One of those foods is oatmeal. Oat provides numerous health benefits and it can be consumed as a food and as a natural medicine too. It can help treat numerous health issues such as intestinal and nerve issues, skin conditions and uterine problems. Including more oatmeal in your diet will be very beneficial for your overall health.
Oats contain numerous nutrients including antioxidants, phenolic acid, vitamin E, vitamin B1, phosphorus, biotin, magnesium, copper, molybdenum, selenium etc. Half a cup serving of oatmeal provides 13 grams of protein and ¼ serving provides the recommended daily intake of manganese. Eating oatmeal for breakfast prevents weight gain and obesity because it will make you feel more energetic and full longer.
The glycemic index of oatmeal is low which means it does not cause a dramatic drop or increase of the blood sugar levels. Oatmeal can also prevent you from overeating because it can reduce your total calorie intake during the day by 80%.
Other benefits of eating oatmeal for breakfast include:
- Oatmeal is excellent for people who have celiac disease or gluten intolerance
- It prevents breast cancer
- It is rich in fiber
- Stabilizes blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Boosts the immunity
- Reduces cholesterol levels
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart failure
- Prevents childhood asthma
You can prepare whole oats in various ways and these are some facts you should know about processing them:
- Instant oatmeal grains: partially cooked and thin-rolled
- Oat bran: the outer layer of the oat from under the hull
- Old-fashioned oats: flat shaped which they get after being steamed and rolled
- Oat grouts: un-flattened kernels that are excellent for breakfast or stuffing
- Steel cut oats: Thinly sliced oat grains with a chewy and dense texture
- Quick cooking oats: Processed like old-fashioned oats but sliced before being rolled up
If you want to eat more oatmeal always choose the less processed oats. You can add them while preparing shakes, cookies, muffins or in your favorite smoothie or yogurt. Oatmeal is an excellent substitute for quinoa and it definitely is very healthy.