What Are The Health Benefits Of Oatmeal?

It's always been said by everybody from your mother to your nutritionist that breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day and skipping it is always a bad idea because you get most of the energy you need for the day from the foods you pick at this vital hour. The foods you chose are very important, the higher the fiber and protein the more likely you will be satisfied until lunch time with minimal calories, it is best to choose a protein, fruit, and maybe a small carb like whole wheat bread. Another great option is a nice hot bowl of oatmeal not only is it considered a nice comfort food it will really help keep you satisfied until noon and it is also flexible, meaning you can slip in a serving of fruit by heating it within the oatmeal, very satisfying.

Most people would also agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and what a better way to get your nutrients than through a heart healthy bowl of oatmeal. Just half a cup of oatmeal offers five grams of heart healthy fiber and only 130 calories and when you add the fruit you add substance and fiber without raising the caloric levels. The fiber in this particular breakfast food can help us lower our cholesterol and maintain a healthy body weight.

As you can see from its texture, oatmeal is also great at curbing our appetite. What this means is that you will not be reaching for a snack shortly after breakfast. Oatmeal has this great way of keeping us feeling full hours longer than traditional breakfast. Atop of its appetite controlling properties, oatmeal (along with other grains such as: whole wheat, barley, rye, millet, brown rice and wild rice) can help reduce the risk of diabetes. And as many of us know, diabetes is a major factor for heart disease.

Doctors say that you can lower your cholesterol level by eating a bowl each morning, It is thought that the oat fibers in oatmeal mix with cholesterol in the small intestine, then bind to the cholesterol molecules and carry it out of the body instead of it being absorbed into the blood.

When choosing the best grains, you should make sure to purchase whole grains not refined grains. Refined or processed grains lose their nutrients and fiber in the midst of production. So be sure that whatever you purchase is in fact whole grain. Some other foods besides oatmeal which are rich in beneficial nutrients and fiber include whole grain breads and whole grain pastas. Now that you know all of the benefits found in oatmeal and other products alike, the next question to ask is how much should you be consuming daily? Well, in order to reap the full benefits of fiber, your intake of the compound should be between 21-38 grams daily (depending on your age). A great start to reaching that daily goal is to begin your day with a bowl of heart healthy oatmeal.

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