Oatmeal is a preparation made from oat groats. It is also referred to as porridge, oatmeal cereal, or stirabout. It is an important part of a healthy breakfast due to the increased awareness towards health benefits associated with it. Here are some various health benefits of oatmeal.
Oatmeal is now marketed extensively in the form of coarse oat groats, cut oats, crushed as well as rolled oats. It is either consumed independently, cooked with milk and sugar, or used to thicken soups and broths. The popular marketed forms also come with various flavor additives.
Ready-to-eat oatmeal porridge, cookies, bread, and cakes are the different forms in which it is available. It is also used in cosmetics, soaps, alcohol, topical medical applications, and pet food.
A number of health benefits are attributed to regular intake of oatmeal. These include:
Lowered blood cholesterol
Reduced risk of heart disease
Healthier metabolism
Stabilized blood glucose levels
Healthy weight control
Normalized blood pressure
Oatmeal has a lot of soluble fiber content, which helps to lower cholesterol and aids in weight loss.
The FDA analysis of oatmeal, in 1997, declared that its regular intake reduced the risk of heart disease and contributed to a low-fat diet. The content of beta-glucan is capitalized by athletes and people who perform weight training. It is high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, and these nutrients slow down the digestion process and keep diabetes at bay.
Oatmeal offers the body a regular dose of Vitamin B. It also helps to remove bad cholesterol and maintain the level of good cholesterol in the body. It also assists in the process of weight loss.
Research reveals that an oatmeal breakfast actually reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, by controlling the blood glucose levels. It has a larger content of soluble fiber than rice, whole wheat, or corn. It also aids in diet control for normalizing the blood pressure. Apart from this, it is also rich in minerals and antioxidants.
Research reveals that oatmeal is a good source of protein and iron. Studies are being conducted to check its role in reducing the risk of cancer. It has a mild flavor and mixes readily with any other pre-mix.
It's popularly eaten as an individual breakfast component called porridge; it's also used to thicken soups and desserts. Also, it is very convenient to use, and can be prepared in a microwave or the old-fashioned way by boiling it to a molten mix on the stove-top.
One of it's the most versatile features is that it can be cooked easily in very less time. Athletes credit it as a source of strength and stamina. Even by itself, oatmeal is delicious. Since it easily takes on flavors, children could be introduced to it with little effort. Doctors around the world recommend oatmeal for longevity and good digestive health.
The vitamin B content in oatmeal is being highlighted to address the onslaught of serious health problems, such as memory impairment, cognition deficits, pernicious anemia, and adrenal system disorders.
Its fiber content is currently being analyzed to study its role in reducing the onset of atherosclerosis, gallstones, diverticulosis, varicose veins, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and colon cancer.