If oatmeal were a guy working a job, he’d be that stuffy accountant, lifelessly tapping away on a calculator.
If oatmeal were at a party, he’d be that boring guy in the corner who only talks about things like folding laundry or cryptocurrency.
If oatmeal were a musician, he’d always play second fiddle to exciting breakfast winners like Pop Tarts or Eggo waffles.
Oatmeal gets little credit. It’s a drab and boring breakfast food. The name sounds boring. “Oatmeal.” It looks boring. It tastes boring. It smells boring.
But it’s time to take a second look at oatmeal. Because its health benefits are enormous.
The Health Benefits of Oatmeal
- Oatmeal can lower cholesterol: The dreaded “bad” cholesterol, or LDL, can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Oatmeal actually lowers bad cholesterol on account of a soluble fiber called beta glucan.
- Oatmeal can help you lose weight: Oatmeal’s consistency actually keeps you feeling fuller, longer. That means you’ll eat less and take in fewer extra calories.
- Oatmeal can help you control your blood sugar: For those with type 2 diabetes, oats can improve your sensitivity to insulin. Instant oats have a higher glycemic content, so it’s better to enjoy rolled oats or steel cut oats instead.
- Oatmeal may decrease childhood asthma: Introducing foods like oatmeal to infants early has shown a lower risk for asthma as they get older.
- Oatmeal can help relieve constipation: Nobody likes irregular bowel movements that are difficult to pass. The fiber in rolled oats may be just enough to help you ditch that laxative.
- Oatmeal can help relieve blood pressure: There’s an antioxidant in oats that’s found almost nowhere else. It’s called avenanthramide, and it’s been shown to lower blood pressure.
So why not give oatmeal a second look? It’s incredibly nutritious and tastes great with toppings like almond butter, walnuts, frozen berries, or dried fruit. It’s time for oatmeal to shine!