The health benefits of oatmeal
Oatmeal has many health benefits. Anti-cholesterol, depurative, satietogenic… In this blog we will discuss the health benefits of oatmeal. We can no longer count its benefits!
The health benefits of oatmeal
Following are the health benefits of oatmeal:
Oatmeal for lowering cholesterol
Oatmeal is sometimes consumed for its cholesterol-lowering properties that are to say for their ability to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Indeed, the consumption of this cereal would consequently reduce the share of LDL-cholesterol that is to say of bad cholesterol.
How? ‘Or’ What? Thanks to beta-glucan. This specific fiber contained in oats has the particularity, among other things, of allowing the re absorption of bile salts in the intestine, thus causing a drop in the production of hepatic cholesterol. Of course, oatmeal is in no way a miraculous remedy that substitutes for medical monitoring.
Oatmeal for beautiful skin
Rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and many other minerals, oats have been used for centuries for their moisturizing, soothing and restorative properties for the skin.
It is not by chance that the cereal is used in the composition of many beauty products. Thanks to its high content of vitamin E, oats have antioxidant powers which act directly on the cells of the epidermis.
Oatmeal to regulate hunger
Made up largely of so-called “insoluble” fibers, oatmeal has a beneficial effect on intestinal transit. Slowly absorbed by the body, the cereal is known to increase the feeling of fullness in people who consume it. This is what explains why it is recommended for people who follow a slimming diet.
Oatmeal to limit insulin production
Among the superpowers of beta-glucan, you will also find its ability to reduce insulin secretion. Once again, fiber with a thousand and one assets displays a new virtue: that of reducing the intestinal absorption of carbohydrates.
Result: the blood sugar naturally decreases at the end of the meal, which logically led to a reduction of the body’s insulin needs. In fact, specialists often recommend the cereal to people with type 2 diabetes.
Oatmeal also acts on:
- The functioning of the nervous system: vitamin B present in oatmeal helps maintain nervous balance;
- Bone mineralization: their high calcium content plays an important role in bone health;
- the thyroid: rich in iodine , the cereal stimulates the production of thyroid hormones; as such, it is recommended in cases of hypothyroidism;
- The liver: oats promote the production of lecithin, and facilitate the elimination of toxins from the body.
How to consume oatmeal?
Usually eaten for breakfast, oatmeal must be specially prepared to reveal all their aromas. For this, it is wise to favor the buying of small oatmeal, which will be more pleasing to eat. Most of the time, these cereals are eaten with milk, and should be heated for a minute or two in a saucepan or directly in the microwave.
The English call it “porridge “. To enhance your mixture, you can sprinkle it with sugar, honey, oil seeds, dried fruits or even fresh fruits. But know that oatmeal is not eaten only at sunrise. They can also give relief to your dishes. You can use them to crisp your gratins or desserts. You can also incorporate them in your bread dough or in your cookie recipe, for example.
What is the difference between oat bran and oatmeal?
- Oat flakes are obtained from whole oat grains: they are cleaned, steamed and then coarsely crushed before being marketed. Less rich in fiber than oat bran, oatmeal is more easily digested: it is however more caloric than its colleague and also contains more carbohydrates, which makes it an ally of choice for athletes.
- The oat bran corresponds to the envelope (the “pod”) which surrounds the oat grain. It is less caloric than oatmeal because it contains fewer carbohydrates: it is therefore more suitable for daily consumption as part of a slimming diet!