Oatmeal is a very complete cereal . Provides the body with slow absorption carbohydrates, fiber, proteins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, as well as B vitamins and small amounts of calcium and folic acid. To top it off, it doesn’t have too many calories.
We will tell you more about this cereal that has become so popular in the world of healthy cooking thanks to preparations such as porridge or porridge and the oatmeal itself that is used to make dough for pancakes, cookies, cakes, muffins …
1. It can help in weight loss
This is so because oats, being rich in carbohydrates that the body gradually absorbs, makes you feel more satiated and consequently spend more time without starving or picking at what you should not.
You can have it warm for breakfast in the form of a porridge, cold overnight (rested overnight in the fridge), in delicious pancakes or in granola (better to prepare it homemade and not buy it industrial). Accompany with your favorite fruit and add an extra protein and healthy fats with a handful of nuts.
2. Helps in blood sugar control
It is mainly due to its large amount of soluble fiber, more specifically beta-glucans that, during digestion, form a kind of gel that slows the emptying of the stomach, as well as the passage of sugar into the blood. This is especially important for people with type 2 diabetes.
3. Helps control cholesterol
Again, thanks to beta-glucans, oats are useful for reducing triglyceride levels, as well as bad cholesterol (LDL) that other foods may have.
Its content in omega 3 and linoleic acids (good quality fat) make good cholesterol rise.
This cereal contains a type of polyphenols called avenanthramides, which are almost exclusive to this food, which can help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. To take advantage of this quality, it will be necessary to accompany the oats with foods that are high in vitamin C.
4. Rich in antioxidants
Avenanthramides , being polyphenols (chemical substances characterized by the presence of more than one phenol group per molecule) have antioxidant properties, that is, they fight cell oxidation. They also regulate blood pressure and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
5. Provides a lot of energy
It is ideal to have oatmeal for breakfast, as it provides a lot of energy to get you through the morning at work outside the home. It is also perfect for sports people and very popular in fitness environments.
6. Probiotic is
The wonderful beta-glucans are fermentable , so they act as prebiotics in the intestine, feeding the good bacteria that live there and improving the health of our microbiota.
7. It is good for digestion
As we have mentioned, this cereal is rich in fiber, so people who suffer from constipation will find it their best ally. Oatmeal helps with intestinal transit and with the digestion of food. People who suffer from digestive problems usually feel very good.
8. Prevents hypothyroidism and helps with bronchitis
Oatmeal contains iodine , a mineral that makes the thyroid work as it should. Its consumption can help prevent hypothyroidism. This cereal also has mucolytic and expectorant properties , so it will be a help in cases of bronchitis.
If introduced early in children’s diets, oatmeal may reduce the risk of persistent asthma.
9. Feeds the tissues of the body
Oat proteins are of great biological value and they provide eight of the nine essential amino acids that our body needs and that it cannot produce by itself. Amino acids combine to form proteins, basic nutrients for tissues and muscles.
10. Keeps the nervous system under control and nourishes the bones
Oats contain B vitamins that act as “balancing” of the nervous system , that is, they help us to be calmer.
Its calcium content comes in handy so that the bones do not demineralize, preventing osteoporosis.
