Is Oatmeal a Superfood?

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and what you eat can effect your mood and energy level for the entire day. Nutritious AND satisfying go hand in hand when it comes to a successful breakfast.  Unfortunately, most people don't have time to prepare breakfast and find themselves stopping at a fast food place where there are very few healthy options.  That's where oatmeal comes into play.  Not only is oatmeal quick and easy to prepare but also cost effective AND nutritious!  Pretty super right?

Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber.  One serving is almost 20% of the recommended daily value of 25 grams per day.  There are 2 kinds of fiber in oatmeal - soluble and insoluble.  Soluble fiber helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.  Insoluble fiber helps the digestive track work properly.

Oats are also a great source for antioxidants called avenanthramides.  These antioxidants prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol.  Cholesterol oxidation can lead to plaque formation in the arteries and increasing the risk of heart disease.  The avenanthramides in oatmeal disrupt this process.

Oats are also a great source of beta-glucans which may boost immunity.  Beta-glucans have shown the ability to reduce the risk of infections as well as fight off disease causing bacteria and viruses.  This means oatmeal is also the perfect breakfast during flu season.

The high fiber content of oatmeal makes it satisfying and filling - exactly what we need to get our day started and keep us away form unhealthy choices due to hunger.  The beta-glucans also help to stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels so the urge for sweet snacks is minimized.

Oats are cost effective (around fifty cents per pound) and can be cooked in minutes.  To get the most of your oatmeal breakfast, it's best to avoid the prepackaged oatmeal as it's higher in sugar and costs more.  In this case, old fashioned is the way to go.  Check back throughout the week for delicious and healthy ways to enjoy your oatmeal.  The picture shown has half a diced apple, two chopped dates, 10 chopped almonds, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.