Five Benefits of Oatmeal for Breakfast
Oats for Breakfast Can Be Both Satisfying and Filling
Jul 7, 2009
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the type of foods that are eaten can affect mood and energy level for the entire day. That’s why it’s important to start the day off right – with a nutritious and satisfying breakfast. Unfortunately, most people don’t have the time to prepare a morning meal and fast food restaurants offer few healthy choices. The good news is there’s a simple, easy-to-prepare breakfast food that can supply the energy needed to tackle the challenges of the day – oatmeal. Here are the benefits of oatmeal for breakfast.
Oats for Breakfast Provide an Excellent Source of Fiber
Few Americans get the recommended 25 grams of fiber per day, but with a bowl of hot oatmeal in the morning, the day's off to a great start. A single serving of oats provides almost twenty percent of the daily fiber requirement. Plus, oatmeal is a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, while insoluble fiber keeps the digestive tract working properly.
Oats Are a Source of Antioxidants
Antioxidant is the nutritional buzz word and oatmeal has its share. Oats are a source of a unique group of antioxidants known as avenanthramides which help to prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol oxidation can lead to plaque formation in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. The avenanthramides in oatmeal help to prevent this unfortunate sequence of events. No wonder oats are so heart healthy!
Oats for Breakfast May Boost Immunity
Oatmeal is a source of beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide found in whole grains and mushrooms. Beta-glucans have shown the ability to reduce the risk of infection after surgical procedures as well as fight off disease causing bacteria and viruses. This makes oatmeal the perfect food to have on the table during flu season. Beta-glucans are also thought to have anti-cancer properties.
Oatmeal is Filling and Satisfying
The high fiber content of oatmeal makes it a satisfying and filling breakfast choice. The beta-glucans found in oatmeal also help to stabilize blood sugar level and insulin levels.
Oats for Breakfast are Fast and Cheap
With a cost per pound of around fifty cents, oatmeal won’t break the budget. Plus, it can be prepared in a microwave in just minutes, so the morning can get off to a fast start.
To get the maximum health benefits of oatmeal for breakfast, it's best to avoid the prepackaged flavored oatmeal packets. Not only do they cost more, but they’re usually high in sugar. Buy old fashioned oatmeal instead and sweeten it with a small amount of fruit or sugar free jelly. With a little experimentation, oatmeal can be prepared in dozens of ways that are both satisfying and healthy.
References:
World's Healthiest Foods website
