There’s nothing worst than starting your day with doughnuts or sweets.
Instead of reaching for sugary cereal, why not revisit an old classic? Oats are rich in vitamin B, folic acid and manganese as well as dietary fiber, which can help lower bad cholesterol.
While many Americans are aware that oatmeal is a practical and healthy breakfast option, few go so far as to actually eat it. Oddly enough, it’s actually really quick and simple to prepare.
Here are just a few reasons to eat this great breakfast food:
1. Boosts Your Energy
Protein-rich and full of complex carbohydrates, oatmeal is sure way to boost your energy levels. As a low-glycemic meal, the sugar in oatmeal is slowly released into your bloodstream, thereby keeping your energy and insulin levels steady throughout the day.
A study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition And Exercise Metabolism also found that consuming a similar meal prior to exercising can improve your performance and give you better overall stamina (1).
2. Protects Your Skin
Oatmeal has been used externally to sooth itching and irritation associated with a number of skin conditions. Studies show that it can also help normalize your skin’s pH balance, helping promote healthy skin (2).
Apple-Oatmeal Mask (All Skin Types)
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons oatmeal
- 1-tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons applesauce
- A few drops of rose water
Directions:
- Mix ingredient together in a small bowl.
- Apply to the skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse with tepid water.
3. Supports Weight Loss And Heart Health
Due to its high fiber content, oatmeal is an excellent appetite suppressor, which is essential to any weight loss diet. One 2009 study found that oats contain a compound which helps increase the hunger-fighting hormone cholecystokinin (3). This promotes the feeling of satiety and reduces hunger cravings.
In addition to being great for general weight loss, the soluble fiber that it contains is also linked to better overall heart health as well.
4. Prevents Diabetes
Because of its low-glycemic index, oatmeal is an ideal food for those who are worried about developing type 2 diabetes. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (4), a diet full of low-glycemic index foods is key to preventing type 2 diabetes.
5. Prevents Colon Cancer
High in both soluble and insoluble fiber, oatmeal is the perfect food for promoting colon health. This greatly reduces your risk of developing colon cancer. One 2011 study in the British Medical Journal found that total fiber intake, including fiber sourced from grains and cereals, was strongly connected to a lower risk of colon cancer (5).
No matter how you eat it, a hot bowl of oatmeal in the morning is definitely a great way to start your day!
sources:
[1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17240783
[2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17373175
[3]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26811553_Oat_b-glucan_increases_postprandial_cholecystokinin_levels_decreases_insulin_response_and_extends_subjective_satiety_in_overweight_subjects._Mol_Nutr_Food_Res
[4]https://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/84/5/1055.full
[5]https://www.bmj.com/content/343/bmj.d6617