Live Healthy Live Well

As a young child I remember my dad eating oatmeal every morning for breakfast. I’m not an oatmeal fan at all and I remember thinking to myself, how could he eat the same thing repeatedly. For me it’s something about the texture that I can’t get past. However, now that I’m older I’ve realized that my dad was eating oatmeal for the health benefits that oats provide. Healthline lists 9 benefits:

1. Oats are incredibly nutritious. They are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber along with important vitamins and minerals.
2. Whole oats are rich in antioxidants. Some of the antioxidants have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects along with leading to better blood flow.
3. Oats contain a powerful soluble fiber which helps in reducing cholesterol levels and blood sugar response.
4. They can lower cholesterol levels reducing both LDL and total cholesterol.
5. Oats can improve blood sugar control by delaying absorption of glucose into the blood.
6. Oatmeal is very filling and may help you lose weight. The feeling of fullness helps reduce calorie intake.
7. Finely ground oats may help with skin care and have long been used to help treat dry and itchy skin.
8. Research suggests eating oats can decrease the risk of childhood asthma.
9. Studies also indicate that the fiber from oats may help relieve constipation.

Oats are considered a whole grain and whole grains have been shown to help reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases.

With all of those amazing benefits, I wanted to find a way to incorporate oats into my daily living. Some ways that my family and I enjoy oats are in:

• Smoothies
• Oatmeal
• Overnight Oats
• Homemade granola
• Muffins
• Baked Oatmeal
• Cookies
• Breads
• Pancakes

What’s your favorite way to enjoy oats?

Sources:

https://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000727.htm

Author: Amanda Bohlen, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Washington County, bohlen.19@osu.edu

Reviewer: Dan Remley, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition, Wellness. Ohio State University Extension, remley.4@osu.edu