It is possible that oatmeal has finally claimed its true status as a breakfast (or anytime) superfood? Well, maybe not yet, but when you look at the number of unexpected places that now serve oatmeal, places like Starbuck’s, Jamba Juice and McDonalds for example, there is definitely a trend developing.  The reason for the trend?  Oatmeal is healthy and delicious and consumers are looking for it!  It is not just healthy, it’s super healthy.  Here are just 5 of oatmeal’s best health features:

1)   Oatmeal is very high in fiber and especially in “soluble” fiber.  Of all the foods that we commonly eat in the U.S., oat fiber contains the highest amount of soluble fiber.  Soluble fiber is known to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol).  When LDL is high, the risk of having a heart attack or stroke goes up.

2)   Oatmeal contains avenanthramides (AVEs), nutrient compounds found only in oats.  AVEs have the ability to support the body’s defenses against free radical damage, provide anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits, and even appear to have anti-cancer properties as well as improving blood pressure.

3)   Oatmeal, either instant or made from scratch (which is super easy and much healthier), provides a full feeling and better appetite control than ready-to-eat cereal and is helpful in supporting healthy weight.

4)  Oatmeal does a good job of slowing the rise of blood sugar levels after eating and is considered a “must” for most people with diabetes.  For everyone else, it is great for easing your body’s release of insulin in response to carbohydrates hitting your blood stream.  This allows for a slower rise and a slower fall in blood sugar levels, both of which are optimal.

5)  One serving of oatmeal made from scratch contains about 7 grams of health promoting protein.  So, even if you don’t add any nuts or milk, you still get your required minimum of 7 grams of protein with your breakfast.
So, what’s so healthy about oatmeal?  Well, a food that is documented to help get your cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and waist line under control while it helps you deal with the constant onslaught of free radical attacks, and helps keep inflammation under control sounds like a superfood!  The fact that it is incredibly inexpensive, gluten free, easy to prepare and can be dressed-up in all sorts of delicious and fun ways clinches the deal.  If you have never made oatmeal from scratch, you’ll be delighted with the simple process.  You may actually be proud of yourself when you’re done.  Have fun and enjoy the health benefits!

Additional Resources: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyDietGoals/Whole-Grains-and-Fiber_UCM_303249_Article.jsp

http://www.consultant360.com/exclusives/compound-oats-may-provide-cardioprotective-benefits

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24799247

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23561127

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23072529

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19941618

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24884934

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23422921