Oatmeal: The Original Superfood

In today’s health-conscious society, “superfood” is a buzzword that gets bandied about a lot. By definition, a superfood is a food that has an abundance of astounding health properties and is good for you in a number of ways. Oatmeal, once looked upon as a bland, somewhat boring breakfast choice, is actually a powerful superfood in its own right, and should be given the respect it deserves. Here are some ways that unassuming, quiet oatmeal is actually a superfood in disguise. Be sure to incorporate some oatmeal into your diet today!

Heart-Healthy

Oats have long been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease. This is because of avenanthramide, a bio-active antioxidant compound that is as beneficial as it is hard to pronounce. Researchers have found that avenanthramide can keep arteries clean, prevent fatty buildup and reduce your overall risk of heart disease and cancer, and it can be found right in your morning bowl of oatmeal!

Nutrient-Rich

In addition to an impressive 6 grams of protein per cup, oatmeal is packed with important nutrients such as folic acid,  vitamin B, manganese and magnesium. These nutrients are all beneficial to your overall health and wellness.

Obesity-Battling

If you are trying to lose weight, you’ll be interested to know that oatmeal helps stave off those hunger pangs for much longer than another type of breakfast food. Because oats are considered “low-glycemic carbohydrates,” it takes your body a while to fully digest and absorb them, which means that you will not feel hungry again for a while after eating a 150-calorie bowl of oatmeal. Additionally, children who eat oatmeal every morning were found to be 50 percent less likely to be obese than children who ate other breakfast foods, according to a study in the National Post.

High-Fiber

Packed with 4 grams of fiber per cup, oats contain enough fiber to reduce cholesterol by as much as 23 percent. The fiber found in oatmeal, beta-glucan, works as a cleaning agent for your intestines, scrubbing them out and reducing constipation. Not only is fiber important for maintaining a healthy cholesterol level and digestive tract, but it is also able to reduce heartburn in people who suffer from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Now that you know how oatmeal can work for you, all you have to do is figure out how you like to eat it best. Have a delicious oatmeal-based recipe? Share it in the comments.