Oatmeal is a BIG DEAL around the Westbrook household! Not only are the toppings endless, but the health benefits of this filling and fulfilling meal are countless. Nutritious and delicious, oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. They’re a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Curious how oats can improve your health, one bite at a time? Read on to reveal five benefits of this hearty grain:
- Reduces blood pressure: Heart disease is a major problem in North America and throughout the world. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a diet that includes whole grains (such as oats) is just as effective as taking anti-hypertensive medication to lower blood pressure!
- Stabilizes blood sugar: As a result of oatmeal’s high soluble fiber content, its sugar is released more slowly into the bloodstream. Steel-cut oats will have more of an effect on stabilizing your blood sugar than instant oats because they are less processed and thus have more soluble fiber.
- Helps you sleep: Why is oatmeal good before bed? Oats contain melatonin and complex carbohydrates that can aid in getting tryptophan into the brain which could help you sleep.
- Promotes antioxidant activity: Oatmeal is loaded with antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are unique to oats. Antioxidants are important because they protect your cells from free radicals, which are molecules you produce through metabolism and exposure to environmental toxins.
- Increases athletic performance: Oatmeal is a great source of high-quality carbohydrate and protein, providing a healthy dose of energy to meet your daily needs. Oats “have been shown in scientific studies to favorably alter metabolism and enhance performance when ingested 45 minutes to 1 hour before exercise of moderate intensity.”
It’s easy to see why I choose oatmeal for the most important meal of the day, and I’m excited to share my go-to toppings that are guaranteed to add a delicious punch to your oats!
XO – Nina
- Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Cacao Nibs (my favorite!)
- Apples, Cinnamon, Sunflower Seed Butter
- Strawberry, Banana, Almond Butter, Toasted Coconut
- Mango, Almond Slitters, Roasted Coconut
- Yogurt, Blackberry, Flaxseed
- Blueberry, Banana, Hempseed, Almond Butter
