Oats are an incredibly healthy food and the effect they have on our body is remarkable. They provide a slew of essential nutrients, boost performance and energy levels, and can be used to create delicious meals that will make you feel fuller for longer. They’re also an inexpensive option that proves you can eat well without breaking the bank.
What’s more, oats can be consumed with other whole foods like berries and nuts to create a variety of healthy snacks for the day. Whether you choose steel-cut, rolled or instant oatmeal, this breakfast staple can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy diet.
Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber, which helps to slow down digestion and prevents blood sugar spikes and dips. This helps you feel satiated for longer, which can help keep your appetite in check and prevent overeating. The soluble fiber in oats can also help reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which contributes to heart disease.
In addition, oats are a good source of protein. One serving provides nearly 11 percent of the recommended daily allowance, which is important for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, oats are a good option for vegans, as they contain no animal products and can be easily substituted for other protein sources like beans.
Moreover, the soluble fiber in oats can help regulate blood sugar, which can help you avoid diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Studies have shown that oats can increase your sensitivity to insulin and lower your glucose tolerance level. Adding oats to your diet can help you reduce the use of medications that treat high blood sugar levels and cut the risk of complications from type 2 diabetes.
Eating oats can help fight obesity and prevent the development of abdominal fat, according to a Taiwanese study. In addition, the oats’ avenanthramides can also suppress fat accumulation and improve metabolic disorders. Oats are also full of antioxidants, which can protect against many types of cancer.
The beta-glucan in oats can enhance your immunity, which is important for preventing diseases and infections. It can stimulate the activity of your white blood cells, speed up wound healing and help kill tumors. Additionally, it can make you more sensitive to antibiotics and accelerate the healing of bacterial infections.
Oats can also help you fight respiratory diseases, and a study found that babies who were fed porridge as early as six months were less likely to develop asthma later in life. Moreover, the avenanthramides in oats can fight inflammation and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
The only downside to eating oats is that they can cause intestinal gas and bloating in some people. This is mostly caused by the soluble fiber and healthy carb content of the food, which can lead to increased fermentation and secretion from the gut bacteria. To minimize this effect, try to slowly build up your tolerance to the food by starting with a small amount and gradually increasing the portion size.