There are so many health benefits to enjoying a bowl of oatmeal every morning. Loaded with fiber, protein, and vitamins, rolled oats are a perfect way to start the day. Along with its nutritional content, oatmeal also has amazing aesthetic benefits that you may not know about. Keep reading to find out more!
Here are 10 reasons to add oatmeal to your routine:
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They are packed with nutrients.
Rolled oats are a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals, including 27% RDA manganese, 7% RDA phosphorus and copper, 10% RDA zinc, 4% RDA in iron, 5% RDA in magnesium and vitamin B1.
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They help lower cholesterol levels.
Oatmeal is often touted as a healthy food, and for good reason. Not only are they a good source of fiber, but they can also help lower cholesterol levels. The soluble fiber in oatmeal binds to cholesterol in the gut and prevents it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Also, oatmeal promotes the excretion of bile acids, which are made from cholesterol.
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They stabilize blood sugar levels.
Anyone who has ever suffered from hypoglycemia knows that it can be a real ordeal. You feel irritable, shaky and generally in a bad mood. Rolled oats are a great way to stabilize blood sugar and avoid those dreaded lows. The soluble fiber in oatmeal slows the absorption of glucose into the blood, providing a more regular source of energy. Additionally, rolled oats contain nutrients like magnesium and chromium, which help the body process glucose better.
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They are filling and satisfying.
One of the reasons oatmeal is so filling is that it contains a type of fiber called beta-glucan. This soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the stomach. This helps slow down the digestion process. Therefore, oatmeal can help you feel full longer.
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They can help you lose weight.
Their high fiber content makes oatmeal a healthy food that promotes weight loss. Fiber helps you stay full longer, which prevents overeating. Plus, oats are a complex carbohydrate, which means they take longer to digest and provide lasting energy throughout the morning. Eating oatmeal for breakfast can also help regulate blood sugar and prevent cravings later in the day.
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They keep you regular.
The high water content of oat flakes helps keep the intestines hydrated. This helps to reduce constipation. Beta-glucan can also help absorb excess water in the intestine, making stools softer and easier to pass.
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They protect against heart disease.
Rolled oats have long been considered a heart-healthy food, and for good reason. Studies have shown that rolled oats can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. One of the main nutrients in oatmeal is a type of actives present called avenanthramides. This special component helps prevent cholesterol from being absorbed by the body, and it also has powerful antioxidant properties. Let’s not forget our dear beta-glucan, the soluble fiber that helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels.
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They are beneficial for your skin and your hair…
Oatmeal is often used in beauty products, as it is believed to soothe dry skin and scalp conditions like dandruff. They are also said to alleviate the itching caused by poison ivy or sumac rashes. In local application, in the form of a mask or compress, oats would relieve the inflammation and redness of eczema or other inflammatory skin conditions.
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An infusion of oats can help clear up acne.
Applied topically, oats can help relieve itching, inflammation and dryness. Oatmeal infusion is another way to harness the power of this humble cereal. Made by infusing rolled oats in hot water, oatmeal tea has the same skin-beneficial properties as topical oatmeal products.
Also, an infusion of oats can help detoxify the skin and eliminate acne. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds work together to reduce redness, irritation and breakouts. For best results, drink oatmeal tea daily, then apply a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. With regular use, you should begin to see a noticeable improvement in the appearance of your skin.
