Why You Should Be Eating Oatmeal

We’ve all been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a number of years now but after that sentence people often forget what they should be eating. In todays fast pace world we are often governed by convenience and the things that are quick often win out. The problem is that these quick and easy solutions for breakfast are filled with sugars and fats that take away the main purpose of eating breakfast in the first place. Oatmeal is a cheap and easily prepared food product that you should seriously consider adding to your breakfast if you haven’t already.

Health Benefits of Oatmeal (Provided by Mr. Breakfast.com)

1. Over 40 studies show that eating oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to Quaker, all it takes is 3/4 cup of oatmeal each day to help lower cholesterol. The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or "bad" cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs. In January 1997, the Food and Drug Administration announced that oatmeal could carry a label claiming it may reduce the risk of heart disease when combined with a low-fat diet.
2. The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a considerable amount of water which significantly slows down your digestive process. This result is that you'll feel full longer, i.e. oatmeal can help you control your weight.
3. New research suggests that eating oatmeal may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association already recommends that people with diabetes eat grains like oats. The soluble fiber in these foods help to control blood glucose levels.
4. According to recent studies, a diet that includes oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure. The reduction is linked to the increase in soluble fiber provided by oatmeal. Oats contain more soluble fiber than whole wheat, rice or corn.
5. Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.
6. The fiber and other nutrients found in oatmeal may actually reduce the risk for certain cancers.

Ways to Make Oatmeal Flavorful and Different Daily

Add Cinnamon, All Spice or Nutmeg  

Add fresh fruit or berries

Add Sliced Almonds, Walnuts, Brazilian, or Peanuts

Spoon in Low Calorie Jams, Syrups, or sauces