What Are the Benefits of Eating Oatmeal Every Morning?
Nothing says “good morning” like a warm bowl of oatmeal. Oats can be prepared in many different ways – slowly cooked and creamy, or blended with fruits on a smoothie – and they provide you with many benefits. If you’re not eating oatmeal for breakfast, you’re missing out on a delicious way to add fibre and nutrients to your body first thing in the morning.
Benefits of Oatmeal
Whole Grain
Oatmeal is a whole grain, and eating whole grains can lower your risk for several diseases, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Oatmeal also contains lignans, a plant chemical that has been found to prevent heart disease. The food label on your package of oats should list one ingredient: whole grain oats. Avoid prepackaged oatmeal that may be high in both sodium and sugar and lower in beneficial fibre.
Low Cholesterol
Eating oatmeal can lower your cholesterol. If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol, consider adding oatmeal to your daily menu.
Weight Loss
Oatmeal is a source of fiber. That means when you eat oats for breakfast, you’re going to feel full for a long time. Breakfast foods high in sugar and fat can make you feel full for a brief period, but then you’re hungry again. A breakfast smoothie, consisting of blended oats, fruit and ice, can satisfy your hunger easily until lunch.
Preparing Options
If you’ve tried it before and didn’t like it, reconsider. Combining fruit or nuts with your oats while they’re cooking adds more nutrients. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give great flavor to your oats. Limit any sugars and let the natural flavor of the fruits and spices take over. Blend your oats with different fruits into a healthy oatmeal smoothie. Because it is such a beneficial food, try to find a different way to eat it every day.
