Advice On Eating Oatmeal - It's Good For You And Tasty, Too!

by JohnG

posted on 07/04/2009

Before the supermarket aisles were packed wall-to-wall with boxes of cereal with cutesy names such as Cap'n Crunch, Frosted Flakes and Sugar Pops, there was that trusty round box with the drawing of the "Quaker" man on the front. Yes, Quaker Oatmeal. Not everyone wanted to eat oatmeal when there were so many other brands from which to choose, but oatmeal is one of the most wholesome, nutritious and delicious breakfast cereals on the market. But besides being tasty and delicious, it's also good for your health.

Here are some reasons why you should consider oatmeal as part of a healthy eating regimen.

Eating oatmeal is economical
Although "economy" is not necessarily the number one reason for eating oatmeal, it can really help the budget. A bowl of oatmeal can cost pennies. A bowl of any of the sugar-coated alternatives can cost ten times as much.

Oatmeal is high in fiber
Oatmeal is high in natural fiber that helps your digestive system and keeps you "regular." The fiber in oatmeal also absorbs a considerable amount of water, which helps slow down the digestive process, making you feel "full" longer. This can help you if you're trying to lose weight. So eating oatmeal can be part of a weight loss plan.

Oatmeal can lower your cholesterol
The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or "bad" cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs. All it takes is 3/4 of a cup of oatmeal a day to keep your cholesterol in check.

Oatmeal may help avoid Type 2 diabetes
The soluble fiber in oatmeal helps control blood glucose levels, according to many studies. So eating a bowl of oatmeal on a daily basis can help keep diabetes away.

Oatmeal has vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron. It's almost as good as a vitamin pill!

Oatmeal may prevent cancer
The fiber and nutrients in oatmeal may actually reduce the risk for certain cancers.

Oatmeal can help regulate blood pressure
The soluble fiber in oatmeal can help reduce blood pressure. Oatmeal has more soluble fiber than whole wheat, rice or corn.

If these benefits can't convince you to eat more oatmeal, how about this? Look at all the tasty toppings you can put on your bowl of oatmeal!

- Nuts (pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts)
- Raisins
- Honey
- Whipped Cream
- Ice Cream or Sherbet
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Milk
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Any other topping your heart desires.

Oatmeal is a perfect food
Oatmeal is one of those perfect foods that is inexpensive, easy to prepare, flexible and contains lots of nutrients and health benefits. Buy a box and give it a try!

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