The Oatmeal Effect: Researchers Explain Daily Body Benefits
Every day at breakfast I start eating oatmeal, usually because it’s actually an old habit from when I was still a child. Because my father always said that oatmeal makes you strong and his words seem to have stuck. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – so it should be healthy and give you enough energy for the whole day. Oatmeal is one of the best choices because of its high amount of proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, and other nutrients.
1. It lowers cholesterol
Most of us know that fiber is good for our stomach, but it turns out that some fiber contains more benefits than others. One of these fibers is β-glucan, which helps lower the cholesterol level in the body. Oatmeal is full of β-glucan, a gel-forming fiber found just behind the oat hull.
2. Preventative against colon cancer
Many studies have shown that daily consumption of oats reduces the risk of colon cancer. Approximately two million people have participated in these extensive studies.
3. Weight loss
The Journal of the American College of Nutrition published a study in which half of the participants ate oatmeal for breakfast, while the other half ate different cereals. Everyone ate a portion with 363 calories each, but those who ate oatmeal stayed satisfied longer without having to eat, making it easier for them to lose weight.
4. More energy
Oatmeal is rich in carbohydrates and provides the body with valuable energy. Raw oatmeal is best when you really want to feel full. The enzymes in your teeth and intestines work harder to grind the grain. In addition to carbohydrates, oatmeal also contains vitamin B and vitamin E, which help prevent diseases in the body.
5. Prevents heart and lung diseases
Oatmeal is rich in healthy fats that are good for both blood cells and circulation. Studies at the prestigious Harvard University show that people who eat oatmeal have a lower risk of heart and lung diseases. Women who eat 2 to 3 servings of oatmeal per day have a 30 percent lower chance of dying from a heart attack or heart disease compared to those who eat 1 serving or less.
6. Lots of proteins
Oatmeal is thousands of times healthier than other breakfast cereals, due to the balance of proteins, fatty acids, and amino acids. A serving of oatmeal (about 8 tablespoons) gives you 15% of your daily recommended amount of proteins. So, it’s perfect if you want to eat less meat.
7. Good for digestion
You probably already know that fiber is good for digestion. WebMD, an online medical platform, recommends that we eat 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day. A serving of oatmeal contains 1/5 of your daily intake. So, if you start the day with a serving of oatmeal, you’re already on the right track! The fibers help to keep your bowels functioning properly and prevent constipation. Plus, they make you feel full longer.
8. Good for the skin
Oatmeal is already in most skin products and can help with inflammatory skin conditions. Researchers say it is also good for skin conditions like eczema and dry, irritated skin.
9. Contains a lot of antioxidants
Oatmeal contains many antioxidants. One of them is avenanthramide, which is only found in oatmeal and has several beneficial properties. It can also help with itching or inflammation and helps lower blood pressure.
I knew oatmeal was good for breakfast, but I had no idea about all the benefits of it.
If you want to spice it up, there are countless variations to choose from. How about some apple, raisins, or cinnamon on a cold autumn day? Or with fresh strawberries or berries?
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