Oatmeal is a delicious, fulfilling, affordable, and widely popular breakfast food that also happens to be incredibly good for your health. That has always been the traditional belief, and modern researchers also agree with this view. According to current experts, there are many health benefits to incorporating oatmeal into your daily diet. If you do not have the time to cook oatmeal every day, consider stocking up on instant oatmeal cups.

Understanding oatmeal

Oatmeal comes in rolled, steel-cut, Scottish, quick-cooking, and instant types. Whichever kind you buy, you will get the whole grain groat. It is the part found within the hard husk of harvested oats and comprises bran, endosperm, and germ. The groats undergo processing to make them easier to cook and consume.

For rolled oatmeal, the groats are steamed and flattened under rollers. They undergo more extensive steaming and flattening and are also precooked to form quick-cooking and instant oatmeal. The groats are cut into tiny pieces for steel-cut oatmeal and grinded for Scottish oatmeal. You can also buy whole-groat oatmeal, but keep in mind that they require extensive cooking to make them edible.

Is oatmeal healthy?

According to most experts, yes, oatmeal is healthy, and you can safely consume it every day. Let us look at some of its health benefits.

Oatmeal is rich in fiber

Whole grain oats are rich in beta-glucan fiber that researchers have discovered to have excellent properties for promoting healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. By consuming oatmeal every day, you can reduce your risk of contracting cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The fiber helps with processing and absorbing food in the intestinal tract, and it also promotes beneficial bacteria in the gut. You will be less likely to suffer from constipation.

Oatmeal is nutrient-rich

There are minerals and vitamins in whole grain oats, such as magnesium, selenium, zinc, calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin B, and vitamin E.

Oatmeal contains antioxidants

Avenanthramide and other phytochemicals in whole grain oats can also provide many health benefits. Phytochemicals are minuscule molecular compounds that occur naturally in oats and which experts think have strong antioxidant properties. They can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. These anti-inflammatory properties of oats can help in preventing or managing chronic diseases.

Oatmeal can help with weight control

If you struggle with weight issues, you may benefit from eating oatmeal. It has a high carbohydrate content, which can help with weight management. The fiber and nutrients in the whole grains can give you a feeling of being satiated after a meal, and you are not likely to experience hunger cravings before your next meal. You will be less likely to snack between meals. That can help you control what you eat, reduce excess weight, and maintain your body weight at a healthy level.

How to buy healthy oatmeal?

While all types of oatmeal and instant oatmeal cups are generally safe for everyday consumption, it is essential to check the ingredient list before you make your purchase. Avoid buying oatmeal that contains sugar, sodium, and other additives since these can damage your health in the long term. Always buy oatmeal that is organic and GMO-free. It should also contain organic sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. You may also want to ensure that the ingredients are locally or mindfully sourced.

Oatmeal is naturally gluten-free, but it may get contaminated with gluten if mixed, deliberately or inadvertently, with the kernels of gluten-containing grains like barley, rye, and wheat. That can happen in the field during harvesting or later during storage or transportation. Manufacturers of instant oatmeal cups and other oatmeal types generally process the oatmeal to remove all traces of gluten. Look for products that come with a gluten-free label.

What are the healthy ways to eat oatmeal?

You can make your oatmeal breakfast healthier with toppings of fresh, frozen, or dried fruit, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and ginger. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, apples, peaches, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, almonds, and walnuts are some popular choices for toppings. You can also add chopped vegetables, herbs, lentils, beans, and eggs. Additionally, you can eat it with milk, butter, cheese, and yogurt. Oatmeal can also serve as an ingredient in pancakes, casseroles, and baked dishes.