7 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Oatmeal
If you’re a big fan of oatmeal for breakfast, then you’re in luck! Oatmeal isn’t just delicious—it’s healthy, too.
This popular whole grain has plenty of health benefits. We’ve rounded up the top reasons you’ll want to add this healthy breakfast into your daily routine.
The following are seven fantastic benefits of eating oatmeal.
1) It Helps Lower Cholesterol
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Oatmeal contains beta-glucan, which decreases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol.
A review of research shows that consuming 3 grams or more of beta-glucan per day through oatmeal can help reduce cholesterol levels.
2) It Reduces the Risk of Heart Attack
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Not only does oatmeal help improve cholesterol levels, but studies show the fiber in oatmeal can lower your risk of strokes and heart attacks, too!
Oat bran contains even more fiber than oatmeal, making it another great choice to keep your heart healthy.
3) It’s Packed with Antioxidants
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Oatmeal is full of antioxidants that help prevent cell damage.
Specifically, oats are the only food to contain a unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which may protect against heart disease and help lower blood pressure. They can also improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
4) It Boosts Your Energy
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Oatmeal is a low-glycemic food that gives you more energy and helps you feel fuller longer.
Research has found that people who consume a low-glycemic meal like oatmeal before a run have much better endurance than those who eat a high-glycemic meal.
5) It Helps Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure
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Oatmeal is a great breakfast choice to help lower your blood pressure naturally.
One study found that people with high blood pressure who ate oatmeal were twice as likely to either stop their blood pressure medication or cut it in half! The biggest benefit came from cooked (non-instant) organic oatmeal.
6) It Promotes Weight Loss
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Oatmeal can help suppress excess cravings!
A study published in Nutrition Journal found that eating a bowl of instant or old-fashioned oatmeal for breakfast improved appetite control over four hours compared to an oat-based cereal.
Oatmeal can help with weight loss by reducing your likelihood of grabbing a snack or overeating at your next meal.
7) It’s Good For Your Gut Health
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Oatmeal contains soluble and insoluble fiber that helps improve gut health and add bulk to your stool, which helps relieve constipation and keeps you regular.
Oatmeal’s fiber content can also act as a prebiotic, which promotes healthy bacteria in your gut and reduces the risk of digestive issues and inflammation.