10 Nutrition Facts about Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a popular breakfast dish all over the world.  Tasty and quick to make, it’s often one of the easiest quick-fixes for anyone looking to start their day right.  But just how healthy is it?  Is it healthier to set up the day with a bowl of oatmeal or to continue on munching cornflakes?

Regardless of whether or not you’re already an oatmeal or porridge addict, here are some fantastic nutritional facts and titbits which may well change the way you see this breakfast staple.

1. Oats are a fantastic staple of any healthy diet. They are crammed full of vitamins and are a great source of quick fibre.  Therefore, anyone suffering with digestive problems may benefit from a bowl of oatmeal every once in a while!
2. Oatmeal is another name for an oat dish you make with hot water and/or milk. It’s widely known as porridge, and can be eaten with jam, marmalade or sugar.  Of course, for the healthiest ends, it’s likely best you don’t eat it with too much sweetness thrown in!
3. Oatmeal is rich in Vitamin B complexes, zinc, iron and copper. This balances out with around 303 calories per half a cup.  However, you often won’t need much oatmeal to make a full bowl to enjoy.  It is liquid which helps to bulk the dish out.  Therefore, go sparing when you fancy a treat!

4. Oatmeal contains beta-glucan, a type of fibre which can help to maintain healthy gut bacteria, and which can help you feel fuller, quicker.
5. Therefore, oatmeal is likely to be popular with people who are trying to lose weight. Eating oatmeal slowly may prevent you from needing to fill up on sugary snacks along the way.
6. Oatmeal is thought to help relieve asthma risk in young people. Some studies suggest that solid food such as oatmeal and porridge, rich in daily nutrients, may help to prevent the development of childhood asthma.

7. There are also studies which suggest oatmeal and porridge may also help to reduce the chances of strokes. This is because of the rich soluble fibre content, such as beta-glucan.  It is recommended to balance oatmeal, therefore, with insoluble fibre you may get in grains.
8. Oatmeal is very low in sodium and saturated fat. It is also a healthy source of protein, meaning mixed with milk, it is likely to be a great health-booster for bodies looking to trim down on fat and sugar.
9. Oatmeal and porridge may also have health benefits for people who suffer from skin conditions. For example, studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal nutrition may help to relieve psoriasis and itchiness.
10. However, some people may be allergic to oatmeal. Some oatmeal may also be mixed with grains and nuts which can aggravate the mouth and throat.  While it has many health properties, it is important to consider your own allergies and bodily dependencies before switching to a porridge based diet!

Do you know any interesting, strange or fun facts about oatmeal that we’ve missed? Share them here in the comments section below!

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This page was last modified on October 16, 2020. Suggest an edit