Why Is Oatmeal Good For You?

Oatmeal is a ubiquitous breakfast staple enjoyed across all age ranges. Historically enjoyed throughout the USA and Europe, oatmeal is also gaining traction in developing countries because of its affordability and its health benefits.

Oatmeal is made of oats, which are packed with nutrients and are higher in fiber and protein compared to other grains.

Whether or not you’re on the HCG injections diet plan, you should consume healthy foods, and oatmeal is a fantastic choice. Here’s why:

Oats are very nutritious

Oats are a good source of B vitamins, minerals, and soluble fiber. Processing and cooking methods affect the texture of oats, but the nutrients contained remain the same.

Oats typically have manganese, a trace mineral important for development, metabolism, and growth; iron, which helps in transporting oxygen in the blood; magnesium, which aids in bone health and preventing osteoporosis; selenium, an antioxidant that helps in thyroid gland function, DNA production, and cognitive function; and zinc, which is necessary for strengthening immunity.

Oats are incredibly fulfilling

Oats contain beta-glucan that increases the feeling of fullness in your stomach, making you eat less and therefore decreasing your intake of calories. Beta-glucan also encourages the release of peptide, a hormone produced in the gut in response to eating. Beta-glucan is also a prebiotic, and it feeds the good bacteria in your gut.

Oats lower your bad cholesterol

The beta-glucan in oats aids in lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels. This is linked to decreased risk for heart disease. Beta-glucan may also increase the excretion of cholesterol-rich bile, thus reducing the circulating levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Oats improve blood sugar control

Diabetes is a pretty common disease. In America alone, more than 4,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every 24 hours. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of those cases. It is caused by decreased sensitivity to the hormone insulin and is characterized by significantly high blood sugar levels.

The beta-glucan in oats can delay the emptying of the stomach and the absorption of sugar in the blood, thus resulting in lower blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity.

So make sure to get your regular dose of oatmeal in order to reap its health benefits!