In this article about 5 reasons to eat oatmeal: Oatmeal is indispensable in the #fitfam world. Many 'healthy' recipes like cookies, banana bread, and porridge contain oatmeal (flour). This is also true for the delicious pancakes we shared earlier. But what makes it so popular? Today we explain what oatmeal actually is and why it is good to add to your diet.
5 reasons to eat oatmeal explained
What is oatmeal exactly?
Oatmeal is made from the grain oat by washing, hulling, and heating whole oat grains. They are then (optionally) cut into pieces, steamed, and flattened. Oatmeal is available in different varieties. You have long-cooking oatmeal, made from whole oat grains, with a cooking time of about 15 minutes. Additionally, there is quick-cooking oatmeal, made from broken oat grains, with a cooking time of about 5 minutes. Finally, there is instant oatmeal, made from broken oat grains that have been pre-cooked and often contain added flavorings, such as sugar and salt. So be careful which variety you buy; the last one contains many additives that are not beneficial for your health.
What are 5 reasons to eat oatmeal?
Now that we know what oatmeal is as a food, let's outline five benefits of oatmeal. Here they come:
1. Oatmeal lowers your cholesterol levels
Oatmeal contains a substance (beta-glucans) that inhibits fat absorption, thereby lowering LDL cholesterol in particular. In the article about fats, we already explained what this type of cholesterol is, and if you paid attention, you will understand that a reduction in LDL cholesterol means a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, eating oatmeal can lower cholesterol levels, but your ultimate cholesterol level, of course, depends on what else you consume. If you think that after a bowl of oatmeal, you can have ice cream with whipped cream or a portion of fries, then this health benefit doesn't really apply.
2. Oatmeal contains antioxidants and micronutrients
The beta-glucans in oatmeal are antioxidants that give your immune system a boost. They help you become more resistant to viruses, bacteria, and infections, making you less likely to get sick. Additionally, oatmeal is rich in iron, magnesium, and vitamins K, B, and E, which help your body with oxygen transport, metabolism, and muscle recovery.
3. Oatmeal contains little sugar
Oatmeal contains relatively little sugar and is, compared to other grain products like muesli, granola, or bread, a fairly pure product (as long as you don't choose the instant oatmeal mentioned above). This means your blood sugar levels rise less quickly than when you consume products that contain a lot of added sugars. However, be careful about which oatmeal you buy and what you add to your oatmeal. If you add a lot of flavorings like honey, raisins, syrup, etc., you will obviously consume more sugars, with all the consequences for your blood sugar levels.
4. Oatmeal contains relatively high protein
Compared to other grains, oatmeal contains relatively high protein. Proteins help with muscle recovery, and oatmeal is therefore a popular product among people who do heavy strength training. Per 100 grams, oatmeal contains 15 grams of protein, whereas other grains contain about half of that (7 to 8 grams).
5. Oatmeal keeps your hunger at bay
Oatmeal contains a lot of fiber and is absorbed by your body quite slowly, which gives oatmeal a feeling of fullness. Therefore, you will feel hungry less quickly, which means you are less likely to reach for unhealthy food.
Conclusion
Oatmeal has several health benefits. For instance, oatmeal contains beta-glucans that help lower your cholesterol levels and also assist your immune system in fighting off viruses and bacteria. Additionally, oatmeal contains vitamins and minerals that your body needs and provides a feeling of fullness. Finally, oatmeal has relatively high protein content and low sugars compared to other grains. Therefore, it is advisable to add oatmeal to your diet. However, oatmeal is not a miracle cure that makes you 'healthy'. How healthy you are is related to the other products you consume and the amount of physical activity you engage in.
Do you have questions following this article? Or do you want to know more about nutrition?
Don't hesitate to contact us at info@daadkrachtoverveen.nl
Also read: 5 breakfasts with more than 25 grams of protein · more articles on our blog · personal training at Daadkracht.
