Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Oats and Oatmeal
Eating oats regularly may reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. The antioxidants in oats work with vitamin C to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Other potential benefits of oats include reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Reduces cholesterol
Oats and oatmeal contain soluble fiber, which lowers LDL cholesterol levels. The fiber, which becomes gooey during digestion, sticks to cholesterol in the intestine and flushes it out. The FDA recognized it as a health claim.
There are several ways to enjoy oatmeal, from quick-cooking varieties to a more traditional ones. Eating between 40 and 60 grams per day can positively affect cholesterol levels. In addition, the more oatmeal you eat, the greater the benefits you’ll receive. While the results may vary depending on your situation, it’s essential to realize that reducing cholesterol through dietary changes may take two to four weeks to show a noticeable difference.
Lowers blood sugar levels
Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber and helps lower blood sugar levels. It also increases insulin sensitivity and improves glucose response. You can eat oatmeal with protein and healthy fat in Greek yogurt or pair it with chopped nuts to stabilize blood sugar levels. Oatmeal is not a substitute for insulin, but it’s an excellent option for people with diabetes.
However, oatmeal isn’t for everyone. People with a hard time swallowing foods should avoid eating them. In addition, insufficient chewing may cause oats to block the intestine. For this reason, it’s best to find healthy alternatives. Steel-cut oats are a good choice, but instant oats with added sugar can be used. Top your oatmeal with fresh fruit or cinnamon. If you don’t want to use oatmeal as a breakfast, you can also add it to a smoothie.
Promotes weight loss
Oatmeal is an excellent fiber source, essential for weight loss. It has about 4 grams of fiber per serving, which equals 13 percent of your Daily Value for a 2,000-calorie diet. Furthermore, oatmeal is a good source of high-quality protein and carbohydrates. Oats have a nice balance of amino acids. The protein in oatmeal also helps regulate blood sugar levels. This keeps you from feeling hungry too soon after a meal and helps you lose weight.
It is also important to note that oatmeal’s low-glycemic index helps control insulin levels. This hormone is responsible for allowing the body’s cells to absorb glucose. Studies suggest oats are associated with lower blood sugar and improved health. In addition, the soluble fiber in oats activates blood cells that fight infections. These benefits make oatmeal a healthy part of a balanced diet.
Reduces risk of heart disease
Consumption of oats and oatmeal has been linked to reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels in people, two of the most critical risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In addition, researchers have found that oats and oatmeal can lower LDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels, two markers of cardiovascular risk. In a recent study, researchers from Canada analyzed data from almost four thousand people worldwide to determine the effect of oat consumption on these markers.
Oats and oatmeal are loaded with fiber, protein, and calcium. They are also good sources of vitamin A. Adding chia seeds to oatmeal has many health benefits, including lowering cholesterol. The seeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and heart-healthy soluble fiber. One small handful of carrots can supply more than 100% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, which benefits the immune system and the eyes. Eating oatmeal and oats chilled in the morning may be a healthier option for those suffering from high cholesterol.
Helps with insulin sensitivity
Oats and oatmeal contain soluble fiber, which helps stabilize insulin levels longer than most foods. In addition, soluble fiber slows digestion, so the body uses less insulin. This slowing of insulin production reduces blood-glucose fluctuations and may help with weight loss by curbing cravings. This is just one of the benefits of eating oatmeal. But there are many more reasons to add this food to your diet.
The soluble fiber in oats and oatmeal reduces blood lipid levels and modulates blood glucose. Furthermore, oats and oatmeal increase insulin sensitivity.
Helps with weight loss
Oatmeal is an excellent dietary fiber source and an essential nutrient for losing weight. While it has few calories, this complex carbohydrate slows digestion and increases the production of digestive enzymes that suppress hunger and increase calorie burning. Quaker regular instant oatmeal has four grams of fiber per half cup, enough to keep you satisfied for longer. Add berries if you’re looking for a more exciting way to add fiber to your diet. Unfortunately, they also have about 25 to 40 calories per half cup.
Oatmeal is endlessly customizable. You can use almond milk, unsweetened banana puree, and cinnamon to add flavor to your oatmeal. Then, add a bit of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can add various toppings and flavorings depending on your taste for extra health benefits. You can make oatmeal muffins with different toppings to increase their appeal and satisfy your appetite.