Americans on average eat over 10 pounds of oatmeal every year. And while that’s good, the American heart association recommends that Americans actually double that intake! [1] [2]
Oatmeal is absolutely jammed full of goodness. It’s low fat, generous in fiber, antioxidants, manganese, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, folate and vitamins B1 and B5. [3] That means good times for your body! Here are 10 health benefits oatmeal can provide for your body today:1
Benefit of Oatmeal #1: High Fiber Content
The fiber in oatmeal can help to reduce bad cholesterol in the body. That is of course great news for helping to keep the likes of heart disease at bay.2
Benefit of Oatmeal #2: Very Filling
Oatmeal is very filling. Because of its fiber and relative density compared to other foods, oatmeal helps keeps us fuller for longer. This is ideal for those looking to lose weight because we are less likely to eat again so soon if we still feel full.3
Benefit of Oatmeal #3: Oats are Whole Grain
Oats are whole-grain. Consequently, as with all whole-grains, oatmeal can help those trying to keep their blood pressure down. That’s because evidence shows us that consuming whole-grain foods can be as effective as taking blood-pressure medicines! [4]4
Benefit of Oatmeal #4: Excellent for Cancer Prevention
Returning to the fiber content in oatmeal again, this is also great news for preventing certain cancers, in particular colon cancer. This fiber helps us to stay regular which is a key element is keeping colon cancer at bay.5
Benefit of Oatmeal #5: Anti-inflammatory Properties
Oatmeal also has anti-inflammatory qualities, which is great for asthma sufferers. That’s because asthma is caused by inflammation in the lungs and oatmeal can help to keep that in check.6
Benefit of Oatmeal #6: 100% Gluten-Free Naturally
If you have gluten intolerance, you may want to stock up on your oatmeal! Oatmeal, in its natural state, is 100% gluten-free.7
Benefit of Oatmeal #7: Not Just for Breakfast!
Even though oatmeal has a reputation for being a breakfast food, it really is the perfect thing to eat at the end of the day. The magnesium in oatmeal is conducive to getting a good night’s sleep and allowing the body and mind repair itself overnight!8
Benefit of Oatmeal #8: Contains Natural Copper Content
Eating oatmeal is also great for encouraging healthy red blood cells and bones, courtesy of its copper content.9
Benefit of Oatmeal #9: Multitude of Antioxidants
The numerous antioxidants found in oatmeal help the body in any number of ways, such as fighting off infections and inflammation.10
Benefit of Oatmeal #10: Contains Zinc
The zinc content in oatmeal can help the body keep both its immune system and metabolism in good shape. Just one more reason to have oatmeal in the kitchen!
How to Consume Oatmeal?
Oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast anymore, although it is an awesome way to start the day! Yearning for something on the sweet side? Why not try Peach Crisp A-La Mode, pancakes with oatmeal – aka oat flapjacks, oatmeal cookies? Alternatively, for a different sort of bread, try ground down oat flour. Add to that the growing availability of oat milk and we get to see how oats are just oat-so good!