January is National Oatmeal Month, did you know this? Oatmeal is a highly nutritious and very versatile breakfast food. It's rich in fiber, helps keep you satiated, and can be customized with various toppings to suit different preferences. Whether you prefer it sweet with fruits and honey/maple syrup or savory with nuts and seeds, oatmeal is a wholesome option for those looking to live a healthy lifestyle. In addition, it's a good source of complex carbohydrates and can contribute to a balanced diet. This blog post will address the 5 benefits of oatmeal in your diet.
What is Oatmeal?
Oatmeal is a nutrient-dense powerhouse. Its nutritional profile makes it a fantastic addition to a balanced diet. The combination of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals contributes to heart health and provides sustained energy throughout the day. The versatility of oatmeal is impressive, allowing it to be enjoyed at any time and in various forms, from traditional breakfast bowls to creative desserts and smoothies.
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The fact that oatmeal has been a staple for centuries highlights its enduring popularity and recognition for its health benefits. People can incorporate it into their meals in many ways, enhancing both flavor and nutritional content. Oatmeal's adaptability to different recipes makes it a go-to ingredient for those looking to maintain a healthy and varied diet. Whether you're enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or as an ingredient in desserts, oatmeal is a versatile and nutritious choice no one will regret having or introducing into their diet.
5 Benefits of Oatmeal:
Loaded with Fiber - Oatmeal is packed with soluble fiber, This type of fiber helps to lower cholesterol levels and promotes a feeling of fullness and support digestive health. This also means that constipation is a thing of the past because no longer will un-digested food be stuck within the body for long periods of time causing constipation. A half of cup or one serving yields approximately 3 to 4grams of fiber. Two servings will net out to about 8 grams of fiber. Seeking to see a difference in overall health? Start making oatmeal a part of your weekly routine, eating as little as 8 servings a week will do the body well.
Reduces Inflammation - Oatmeal is an anti-inflammatory packed with vitamins, minerals such as B complex, manganese, magnesium, iron, prosperous, selenium, and zinc. It helps to limit oxidative stress within the body. Long term oxidative stress causes damaging chronic conditions.
Lowers LDL - Low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol). Oatmeal absorbs cholesterol floating around in the body and works to push it out of the body via excretion.
Complete Health - Oatmeal has been studied for years and is known to be one of the beneficial foods to intake if one suffers from heart disease, diabetes, inflammation, or certain cancers. Oatmeal does provides important nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins in ones diet.
Weight Loss - One shall not be mad if they seek to lose a few pounds and do so by eating just oatmeal. Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate that digest slowly and provides sustained energy for the entire day. In addition, oatmeal is hardy; it makes one feel full quicker and more prolonged, allowing one to eat less. Also, since it is high in fiber, it will help clean out the internal system and cause one to release lots of junk from the body, some of which may have been lingering around for years. This releasing of fecal matter will in place cause one to lose weight.
Conclusion
This National Oatmeal Month, let these 5 oatmeal benefits change your life for the better; especially now that you know how good oatmeal is for you. You can try some oat milk with your next cereal. Make an oat shake, pancakes or even some ice-cream or whip up some instant or steel/rolled oats topped with your favorite fruit or savory topping any time of the day. Heck, you can even treat your outer body to an oatmeal facial, rub, and/or body soak in the tub. Simply, make a unique natural ingredient paste recipe and apply it to the skin. Your skin will thank you for it. Guaranteed! Want some healthy recipe options? Check out our recipe e-book or a guide to obtain ideas and more information to help you on your wellness journey.
Side Effect(s):
Some people have had minor adverse effects to oats. They have shown signs of bloating, gas or digestive issues like an upset stomach every now and then. Monitor your intake and stop using it if it bothers your system in any way.
Simple Oatmeal Body Mask/Rub Recipe – This is recipe is designed to be used on the body for smooth soft itch free skin; however, feel free to eat it if you want. That is what is great about all natural and minimum ingredient products that one can make on their own.
1. (5) Tablespoons of ground oats,
2. (¼ )Cup of water/or dairy free milk
3. (3) Tablespoons of honey. If vegan use agave or maple syrup.
(Either of these sweetener ingredients will make for a wonderful soothing body mask too.) Yum! You will smell and taste sweet too. :)
Mix everything together well, cover it up or get ready to serve it up on your body where you will leave it on body for 15 to 30 minutes. Then wash it off and go about your day or evening feeling refreshed and relaxed for pampering yourself .
Reference:
Mayo Clinic: Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol/art-20045192