Why Oatmeal Rules!

As I write this, I am shoveling a huge spoonful of oatmeal into my mouth (those of you familiar with my Breakfast With Mike videos know what this looks like—and it’s not a pretty sight!).


This consumption of rolled oats is a common sight and occurrence in my household—I eat a bowl of oatmeal just about every single day. Why? Besides tasting pretty good, a daily helping of oatmeal may someday save your life.

It’s true. Eating 3g of soluble fiber daily from oatmeal (about one small serving) may reduce the risk of heart disease, and can help lower LDL (that’s the bad stuff) cholesterol. Chew on that next time you’re considering bacon and eggs for breakfast—which, last I heard, is the antithesis of heart healthy.

What actually is oatmeal? Oatmeal is rolled oats, which are made from oat groats, which come from oat grain and have been rolled to cook quickly and make them easier to eat. The oats have a thick bran layer that is removed through steaming to soften them. The end result is the oatmeal most of us eat. It is a whole grain that is loaded with fiber and protein. Now, if you omit the steaming process and just chop up the oat groats (leaving bits of the bran layer), what remains are steel-cut oats. You may have seen these in the grocery aisle alongside regular oatmeal. Steel-cut oatmeal has more fiber and protein than regular oatmeal—having never tried these, I cannot offer a comparison as to what type tastes better.

Besides being heart healthy and a tasty way to help lower your bad cholesterol, oatmeal is also an excellent source of thiamine and iron, as well as niacin, riboflavin, folic acid, Vitamin A, and calcium. And if all those great nutritional benefits aren’t enough, oatmeal possesses antioxidant compounds unique to oats called avenanthramides—these help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as help lower LDL cholesterol.

As a vegetarian, I am always searching for vegetable protein sources—a serving of oatmeal has 8gs of protein, and that’s a good thing!

Oatmeal also is an excellent source of fiber: 6gs. I can’t think of many food choices better for you than whole grain fiber. Here are some of the amazing health benefits of a diet high in whole grains, like oatmeal:

• Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
• Enhance immune response to infection
• Cardiovascular benefits for postmenopausal women
• Prevents heart failure
• Protection against breast cancer

All that’s left for you to do now is eat some, everyday. I eat mine pretty plain, with just a touch of fake sugar to sweeten it a bit. I also opt for the instant oatmeal—just boil water and pour, even easy for a simpleton like myself. You may also enjoy oatmeal with honey, chopped up bananas or peaches or apples and cinnamon. Blueberries, raspberries or blackberries also taste great with oatmeal, and increase the antioxidants!

If you can’t even choke down a bowl, but still would like to enjoy the healthy benefits of oatmeal, here are a few other options:

Fiber One
Kashi
South Beach Diet Bars

Now do you see why Oatmeal Rules!

Is it any wonder why I eat a bowl of oatmeal just about every day? Is there any conceivable reason why you shouldn’t do the same?

Until next time…

peace,
Mike