Not long ago, oatmeal was considered the perfect start to the day: a boost of energy, a healthy stomach, and a long-lasting feeling of fullness. But modern nutritionists are increasingly questioning whether it is worth starting the morning with oatmeal.
What Are the Benefits of Oatmeal
Oatmeal indeed contains many beneficial substances. Fiber helps normalize digestive function, biotin replenishes the deficiency of B vitamins, and antioxidants combat inflammation and slow down aging. However, like any product, oatmeal has nuances that make it not always suitable as a daily breakfast.
Why Oatmeal Is Not Always Healthy
1. Excess Sugar
The main problem is instant oatmeal. They often contain added sugar and flavorings with "berry" or "fruit" taste. Such breakfasts increase calorie content, overload the heart and blood vessels, and contribute to weight gain.
2. Caloric Additives
Even if you cook oatmeal yourself, the additives make all the difference. Syrups, nuts, candied fruits, and dried fruits make the dish tastier but also significantly heavier. They cause spikes in blood sugar — an hour or two after breakfast, the feeling of hunger and fatigue returns.
3. Lack of Protein
In a bowl of oatmeal, there are carbohydrates, and in milk or butter, there are fats. However, there is practically no protein, which is necessary for prolonged satiety and muscle maintenance. Because of this, such a breakfast is not always balanced.
How to Make Oatmeal Truly Healthy
To extract the maximum benefit from oatmeal, it is important to prepare it correctly.
- Choose long-cooking oats — they contain more fiber and vitamins than instant varieties.
- Avoid sweet packet oatmeal, which often contains sugar and powdered milk.
- Add fresh berries or a little honey instead of sugar and candied fruits.
- Combine with protein — for example, with eggs, cottage cheese, or cheese. This will make the breakfast more filling and balanced.
Source: whoopee
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