Eating enough dietary fiber is essential for good health. In previous tip’s I’ve recommended to increase your fruit and vegetable consumption which will help with increasing daily fiber intake. Now we’re going to kick it up an notch by adding oatmeal to your daily routine. A single serving of oats provides almost twenty percent of the daily fiber requirement. Plus, oatmeal is a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, while insoluble fiber keeps the digestive tract working properly. Oatmeal has a ton of health benefits, here they are…
1.Eating oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or “bad” cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs.
2.The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a considerable amount of water which significantly slows down your digestive process. This result is that you’ll feel full longer, i.e.oatmeal can help you control your weight.
3. Oatmeal may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. The soluble fiber in these foods help to control blood glucose levels
4.With the exception of certain flavored varieties, the oats found in your grocery store are 100% natural. If you look at the ingredients on a canister of rolled oats, you will usually see only one ingredient… rolled oats.
5. A diet that includes oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure. The reduction is linked to the increase in soluble fiber provided by oatmeal. Oats contain more solublefiber than whole wheat, rice or corn.
6.Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.
7.The fiber and other nutrients found in oatmeal may actually reduce the risk for certain cancers.
8.Oatmeal is quick and convenient. Every type of oatmeal can be prepared in a microwave oven. Even when cooked on the stovetop, both old-fashioned and quick oats can usuallybe made in less than 10 minutes.
9.Oatmeal can be absolutely delicious! Whether instant, cooked on the stove or baked in the oven, the combination of flavors you can fit into a serving of oatmeal is limitedonly by the imagination.
OK, it’s probably not a stretch to convince you that eating Oatmeal is a healthy thing for you to do. But don’t screw up a perfectly healthy food with a bunch of unhealthy toppings. Milk, butter and sugar (of all types) are out. Remember these are health and fitness tips. I eat my oatmeal plain and it’s really good that way. I know, for some, that isn’t probably likely so try these toppings.
1. Fresh Fruit
2. Nuts
3. Cinnamon
4. Stevia (the only sweetener I recommend)
Here’s my gluten disclaimer. Oatmeal doesn’t naturally contain gluten, but the growing and packaging practices of major oatmeal brands do result in the presence of gluten in oatmeal. Therefore you’ll need to look for smaller brands with the word’s “Gluten Free” on the label. I’m trying to avoid promoting specific brands but because I want you to make it as easy as possible for you to improve your health, I’m going to recommend “Bob’s Red Mill, gluten free oatmeal” I’m not sure if this oatmeal is better than any other gluten free brand, but it’s the brand that is most likely to be on the shelves of the grocery store you already shop at.
So here’s the tip. Eat a serving of oatmeal every single day. You might find breakfast to be the most logical meal for this. Enjoy.
See you tomorrow!
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