Oatmeal Is Even Healthier Than You Imagined!
We all know oatmeal is good for us, but do
you know how much it can really benefit you? Find out the whys and the
hows of this incredibly healthy food by reading about the top health
benefits oatmeal provides!
1. Oatmeal decreases the level of cholesterol in your blood as well as
your risk of cardiac diseases
The FDA approved, in a unique move, a health label on oatmeal packages
that explains how soluble fibers from oatmeal, as part of a low
trans-fat diet, can decrease your chances of being afflicted with heart
conditions. This was based on 30 years of research into oatmeal and its
benefits.
2. Oatmeal helps the digestion process
The soluble fibers in oatmeal are taken apart in the lower intestine by
resident bacteria. Those fibers that were not taken apart increase the
volume of food and hasten bowel movements. This method decreases the
likelihood of inflammatory diseases in the lower intestine, including
hemorrhoids.
Tip: To enjoy these benefits, drink plenty of water. Consuming these
fibers without drinking can cause constipation, stomachaches and
flatulence.
3. Oatmeal and blood sugar levels
Again, we turn to the soluble fibers, which slow down the absorption of
carbohydrates, and so prevent sharp increases in blood sugar levels. A
10 year long research was published in the American Journal of Public
Health and has shown that consuming about 1 cup of cooked oatmeal a day,
2-4 times a week, will decrease the risk of type II diabetes by 16%.
When you bring it up to 5-6 times a week - the risk goes down by 39%.
4. Getting thinner with oatmeal
Oatmeal adds volume to the food by absorbing the liquid around it. In
addition, the fibers slow the digestion process and give us a feeling of
being full for longer periods of time.
5. Oatmeal improves quality of sleep
People who consumed oatmeal before going to bed have demonstrated better
and higher quality sleep than people who didn't. Oatmeal contains the
essential amino acid tryptophan (one of the protein building blocks
which we only get from food). Tryptophan is a source material for
creating melatonin (as well as serotonin). A lack of melatonin will
cause sleeping problems, while an increase in tryptophan will prolong
our deep sleep.
Recommended amount per day: The general recommendation is about 4-5
spoons a day (can make a porridge of it), so you too can start enjoying
the health benefits of oatmeal (at about 25-30 grams a day).