07/27/2018
Health Benefits of Oatmeal
Cooler evenings and crisp mornings greet the changing seasons, inviting us all to change our eating habits as fall approaches. We're reminded that nothing starts the day off better than a big bowl of warm oatmeal in cooler climates. A delicious, comfort-laden breakfast, oatmeal has many benefits, making it it a terrific choice for kicking off a busy day.- Lower Bad Cholesterol: A specific strand of fiber -- beta-glucan --- found in oatmeal has been shown to reduce the level of bad cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease and strones. Oatmeal is a rich source of soluble fiber which inhibits the body’s absorption of bad cholesterol, LDL. The three grams of fiber found in a bowl of oatmeal can lower you cholesterol by 23 percent ... reducing the risk of heart disease by almost half!
- Antioxidants Protect the Heart: Oatmeal lowers bad cholesterol and protects good cholesterol! Oatmeal contains avenanthramide an antioxidant that fights off free radicals that attack high-density lipoproteins, or HDL, which is known as the good cholesterol. T
- Healthy Arteries: Along with protecting against heart disease, avenanthramides prevent hardening of the arteries. Those antioxidants suppress the production of molecules that allow monocytes to adhere to the walls of the arteries. Research has shown that postmenopausal women who eat six servings of whole grains a week reduced their risk of developing atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque along the passageways of the arteries, and slowed the progression of stenosis, which causes the passageways of the arteries to narrow. When paired with vitamin C, the cardiovascular benefits of oatmeal are enhanced, so drink a glass of orange juice or eat some citrus with your oatmeal.
- Cardiovascular Benefits: The heart-health fiber, found in high amounts in oatmeal, offers reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure. Postmenopausal women are particularly at risk of developing high blood pressure and should eat six servings of oatmeal or other whole grains on a weekly basis. Men can reduce their risk of heart failure by eating one bowl of whole grain cereal or oatmeal per day.
- Immune System: The beta-gluten fiber in oatmeal also strengthens immune systems and helps fight bacterial infections by helping immune cells seek out and repair areas of the body that may be fighting a infections.
- Blood Sugar: The high fiber-content of oatmeal means that eating it in the morning will help stabilize your blood sugar throughout the day, getting rid of those mid-morning or mid-afternoon blahs that result from high refined sugar and carb intake.
- Diabetes: Oatmeal is also a good source of magnesium, which is important for the regualtion of the body’s insulin and glucose levels. Blood sugar levels are serious business; eating oatmeal helps reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The high amounts of magnesium found in oatmeal help the body use glucose and secrete insulin efficiently. One extensive study indicated that women who ate a magnesium-rich diet had a 19 percent decrease in type 2 diabetes and a 31 percent risk decrease for women who consistently included whole grains in their dietary regimen.
- Breast Cancer: Numerous studies show that a nutrition regimen high in fiber protects against breast cancer. In fact, a recent study conducted in the United Kingdom found strong indications that pre-menopausal women can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 41 percent by eating fiber from whole grains ... including oatmeal!
- Weight Control: The fiber in oatmeal lets you feel fuller for a longer period of time. This is because fiber increases the viscosity of the stomach’s contents extending the time it takes to empty. Research also found a lower risk of obesity for children who regularly eat oatmeal.
