Health Benefits of OatMeal

Breakfast in the most crucial meal of the day because it supplies the body with the base nourishment needed to execute the day's work. A lot of individuals wake from an evening's rest and have to refuel in order to start the day. There are numerous food selections that can easily be thought of for breakfast. Theses foods consist of fruits, eggs, breakfast meats, such as bacon or sausage, and grains, like toast, cereals and oatmeals.

Oats have many nutrients and minerals within. B vitamins are great for helping in metabolic processes. Vitamin E is great for one's skin. Zinc has healing properties and Iron is needed to help transport oxygen in the blood. But in addition to providing our bodies with many important vitamins and minerals, oats have been found to provide many other dietary benefits. A diet that includes oats can lower a person risk of heart disease. Oats contain antioxidants, which help reduce free radicals from damaging the cardiovascular system.

The consumption of oats can also help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood by providing the necessary soluble fibers needed to bind to the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as the bad cholesterol, and ultimately be excreted from the body through digestion. Lowering the bad cholesterol in ones body can decrease the person's chances of heart attack or stroke. Diabetics often struggle with their blood sugar levels. Soluble fiber can benefit a diabetic's diet. Digestion is slowed with the presence of fiber that can result in a more gradual change in blood sugar levels.

Oatmeal is a whole grain and can be a great tool to assist in weight management. In addition to the soluble fiber found in oats, insoluble fiber is also found in oats and can make a person feel fuller longer. Since digestion of oats is a slower process due to the fiber it also provides the body a steady release of energy. Oats can easily be supplemented by adding fresh fruits, like bananas or berries, and low-fat milk. With these additions one can create a meal that can boost metabolism and provide long-lasting energy needed for the day.

Nursing mothers can also find added benefits from a diet including oats. Inadequate milk supply can be a common concern for new mothers. Many moms have noticed an increase in milk production when eating oats on a regular basis. Scientific studies have not been able to provide definitive proof of this benefit but many allocate the positive results some moms find to the soothing and stress reducing comfort eating a bowl of oatmeal can provide a person. The source of iron found in oatmeal may also be a factor in the increase in milk production for anemic mother produce more milk.

In addition to providing many dietary benefits, oats have phytochemicals. Phytochemicals have been found useful in preventing cancer because of their cancer fighting properties. These days, we come in contact with so many carcinogens, oats may help us prevent those carcinogens from killing us.

Oats for breakfast may be the best kind of breakfast. It can be dressed up with fruits, or served as a side to one's eggs and bacon but the dietary benefits cannot be ignored but savored.