Oatmeal is a very popular breakfast food that consists of oat and a liquid, such as water, cow’s milk, or plant-based milk. Full of nutrient and fiber, oats are one of the most nutritious whole-grain foods that a person can consume.
It’s flavor and nutrient content can be increased by adding fruit or other items.
Not only is oatmeal a delicious breakfast food — it’s also very filling. Eating filling foods every day may help you eat fewer calories and lose weight and well as some other health benefits.
Here are 3 benefits of eating oatmeal as breakfast:
1. Oatmeal provides antioxidants
Oats deliver compounds called polyphenols that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols seem to reduce oxidative stress on the body—they help limit the activity of damaging molecules called free radicals. For this reason, polyphenols are linked to protection against heart disease and stroke, as well as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
2. Oatmeal is rich in nutrients
A half-cup of dry oats contains 4 grams of filling fiber, 14 percent of the daily minimum target, in addition to 5 grams of plant protein. The grain’s carbohydrates are also bundled with a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, B vitamins, and smaller amounts of calcium and potassium. That’s an impressive range for a single food that’s also affordable, simple to prepare, and versatile.
3. Oatmeal supports healthy weight management
Starting your day with oatmeal can assist in controlling weight for a few reasons. Oatmeal promotes satiety, the feeling of fullness that persists after eating. Researchers fed volunteers equal amounts of oranges and oatmeal. After eating oranges, people reported feeling hungrier and less satisfied than they did after a bowl of oatmeal. Those feelings of fullness can support a healthy weight by naturally curbing consumption later in the day. In this particular study, volunteers ate less food when allowed to freely snack a few hours after eating the oatmeal compared with the oranges. Try these breakfast ideas for any weight loss plan.
