9 Benefits of Eating Oatmeal for Breakfast

Whether oats are eaten with nutritious fruits in a bowl or in a smoothie, they are certain to offer the body a variety of healthful benefits.

A great breakfast choice is oats to get the desired nutrients and fiber into the diet to ensure you get through the morning without wanting to indulge in unhealthy snacks.

Here are nine reasons to make sure oats become part of the well-balanced diet:

1 – Bad cholesterol

Oatmeal contains a particular type of fiber known as beta-glucan, which is able to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol while at the same time leaving the good cholesterol in place.

2 – Gluten-free

Eating oatmeal is acceptable for those that are sensitive to gluten – although there might be a concern for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Oats are as packed with proteins as other types of wheat, but do have a higher concentration of avenin.

3 – Heart disease

Oatmeal includes specific types of antioxidants (avenanthramides) that are believed to be helpful in fighting against heart disease. These unique antioxidants are able to control the growth of free radicals that can cause damage to good cholesterol in the system. This has the potential to minimize the risks related to heart disease.

4 – Heart failure

Eating a bowl of oats in the morning for breakfast is likely to help cut the risk of experiencing heart failure in later life by nearly 29%.

5 – Immune system

Eating oats is certain to help with enhancing the performance of the immune system and its ability to fight-off disease. The fiber (beta-gluten) in oats is appreciated for its ability to help neutrophils reach the site of infection to ensure the foreign bacteria are attacked as soon as possible.

6 – Lignans

Oats are loaded with lignans which are helpful for protecting the body against certain cancers and heart disease. Similar to most kinds of whole grains, oatmeal includes the lignans (plant based) which are slowly transferred into mammalian lignans. The lignans are believed to be most effective at protecting against hormone dependent cancers such as breast cancer, and other serious health conditions like heart disease.

7 – Protein

Oatmeal is rated as one of the most practical choices to add more protein to the day-to-day diet. It is the best grain and protein combination. Plus oats are low in fat and high in fiber.

8 – Stabilize blood sugar

Oats are packed with complex carbohydrates and high fiber to make it possible to slow the process of converting whole foods to sugars. Plus, the rich concentration of magnesium means the body is more efficient at using the insulin and glucose secretion.

9 – Stop cravings

Eating oatmeal in the morning helps to fill the stomach for longer into the day and less likely to have cravings and hunger pains. Plus, a 1 cup serving of oats has about 128 calories (excluding toppings or other extras).

Oatmeal Options

Oatmeal on its own isn’t the most desirable taste. But, combining the oats with nuts or fruit is certain to give a more favorable texture to the morning breakfast. Plus, nutmeg, cinnamon, or similar spices can help to add to the flavor. Added sugars are rarely needed as the natural flavors sourced from the spices and fruits are often able to take control.