Superfood: Oats
Next up in our superfood series, we have oats! Not very exciting we know, but eating oats are a great way to start your day with lots of fiber and nutrients.
So What Are Some Of The Health Benefits Of Oats?
- Oatmeal is one of the top sources of fiber. It contains 4 grams of fiber in every cup of cooked oatmeal. Fiber in your diet reduces the risk of many things from heart disease to stroke
- Oats contain many properties that help to reduce your body’s LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol)
- Oats do a great job at controlling your blood sugar levels and help to reduce your risk of getting Type II diabetes
- Oats contain high levels of soluble fibers that help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
- Need help lowering your blood pressure? Through a study, researchers discovered that people that ate oatmeal were able to stop taking their blood pressure medication or cut it in half
- Ever wonder why you stay full for longer after eating a bowl of oatmeal? Eating oats give you higher levels of Peptide-Y-Y, which is an appetite control hormone
- Did we mention that oatmeal is low in calories? A cup of cooked oatmeal is about 150 calories. As with any food though, no matter how healthy, make sure you watch your portion size
- The fiber in oatmeal enhances your body’s immune system response and fights infections faster
How To Incorporate Oats Into Your Diet
Eating oatmeal everyday can get repetitive and boring. Be rest assured that oatmeal is not the only way to get oats into your diet. Here are some other recipes using oats:
There are many ways you may be canceling out the healthy benefits of oatmeal such as adding too many dried fruits and nuts. Check this for more ways you may be ruining your oatmeal.
Instant oatmeal is usually frowned upon but is still a nutritional option for when you just don't have the time to make the real deal. Make sure you go for plain instant oatmeal because the flavored options have about 3-4 spoons of added sweeteners.
Tell us, what is your favorite way to eat oatmeal?
