I always try to start the day with oatmeal, but that’s mostly because it’s a habit that’s stuck around from when I was a child.
My dad always said that porridge makes you strong and I guess those words stuck.
But I guess that in this case, dad really did know best …
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – so it should be healthy and give you energy for the whole day ahead.
Oatmeal is one of the best options you can choose because of its high level of proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and nutrients.
1. Lower cholesterol
Most of us know that fiber is good for our stomachs, but it turns out that some fibers have more benefits than others. One of these fibers is β-glucan, which helps to lower the body’s cholesterol levels.
Oats are filled with β-glucan, a gel-forming fiber that sits just below the shell of the oat.
2. Prevents colorectal cancer
Many studies show that daily consumption of oats decreases the risk of colorectal cancer.
Almost 2 million people have taken part in the extensive studies.
3. Weight loss
The Journal of the American College of Nutrition has published a study in which half of the participants ate oatmeal for breakfast, whereas the other half ate different kinds of breakfast cereal.
Every person ate a serving containing 363 calories each – but those who ate oatmeal stayed full for longer and therefore found it easier to lose weight.
4. Gives you more energy
Oats are rich in carbohydrate and provide the body with valuable energy. Roughly ground oatmeal is best if you want to really feel full. They cause the enzymes of your teeth and gastrointestinal tract to work a little harder to dissolve the grain.
In addition to carbohydrates, oats contain both Vitamin B and Vitamin E, which help the body to keep diseases away.
5. Prevents heart- and lung disease
Oatmeal is rich in healthy fat that benefits both blood cells and the circulatory system
Studies at Harvard University show that people who eat oatmeal run a lower risk of heart-and lung disease.
Women who eat 2-3 servings of wholemeal a day have 30 percent less risk of dying of a heart attack or heart disease, than those who eat one portion or less.
6. Contains lots of protein
Oatmeal outweighs all other cereals by a long shot in terms of the balance between protein, fatty acids and amino acids.
One serving (about 8 tablespoons) of oatmeal gives you 15 percent of your recommended daily intake of protein. Perfect if you’re trying to eat a little less meat.
7. Good for digestion
You probably already know that fibre is good for digestion. WebMD recommends that we eat 25-35 grams of fiber per day.
A portion of porridge contains 1/5 part of your daily intake. If you start the day with a portion of porridge, you are already on the right track!
The fibers help keep your intestines running well and prevent constipation, plus they keep you feeling full longer.
8. Good for your skin
Oats are already present in most skin care products and can help with inflammatory skin conditions.
Researchers say that it is also good for skin conditions such as eczema and skin irritation.
9. Contains lots of antioxidants
Oats contain a lot of antioxidants. One of these is avenanthramides, which are only found in oats and have several good properties.
It can help with both itching and inflammation and help lower your blood pressure.
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I already knew that oatmeal was a good breakfast choice, but I had no idea that it had so many benefits.
And if you want to shake it up a bit, there are endless variations you can choose. Why not eat it with a little apple, raisins and cinnamon on a cold autumn day? Or with freshly harvested strawberries and blueberries?
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