Oats are considered one of the healthiest grains on the planet, and oatmeal is often praised by nutritionists as the healthiest breakfast you can eat. However, this isn't the typical oatmeal most of us are used to.
The
healthiest form of oatmeal is made by grinding whole oat grains. You can find
whole oats at any health food store or local market.
To
prepare it, you can cook the oats first and then grind them, or you can leave
them whole. This versatile meal can be prepared in both savory and sweet
variations:
Savory:
cooked egg, cheese, bacon, sour cream — any combination you prefer.
Sweet:
raisins, honey, apple, cinnamon, cocoa.
Here’s
why starting your day with this kind of breakfast is a smart choice:
PROMOTES DIGESTIVE HEALTH
The
fiber in oats helps cleanse the intestines and encourages healthy digestion. It
also improves overall gastrointestinal health by ensuring food moves through
your system at the right pace.
SUPPORTS HEART HEALTH
Research
shows that oatmeal supports heart health and lowers the risk of heart disease,
including coronary artery disease.
Thanks
to antioxidants and soluble fiber, oats help reduce levels of bad cholesterol,
making them an ideal breakfast for heart-conscious individuals.
REDUCES THE RISK OF COLON CANCER
A
study involving two million people across Europe found that a diet rich in
dietary fiber can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.
Eating
oatmeal regularly is a simple and effective way to protect yourself against
this serious disease.
LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE
According
to one study, regularly eating oatmeal for breakfast can help lower blood
pressure as effectively as certain medications. However, oatmeal should be seen
as a helpful dietary addition — not a replacement for prescribed medicine.
REGULATES BLOOD SUGAR
Oats
contain a type of soluble fiber known as beta-glucan, which partially dissolves
in water, forming a thick gel-like substance in the stomach.
This
fiber has strong health benefits, especially its ability to lower blood sugar
levels and reduce insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes.
HELPS WITH WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Many
people on diets struggle with constant hunger, often turning to unhealthy
snacks. Oatmeal creates a lasting feeling of fullness and helps cleanse the
body of toxins.
For example,
having a quality bowl of oatmeal for breakfast can keep you satisfied until
lunch, reducing the temptation to snack and supporting healthy weight loss.