Whether prepared as a delicious porridge or as a component for muesli – oatmeal is a popular breakfast ingredient. Because the grain not only tastes delicious, but also has numerous health benefits. We explain how daily consumption affects your body.
Small, but mighty – oatmeal is one of the healthiest foods and should ideally be on your daily menu. Why? Oatmeal contains a lot of fiber , which swells up in the stomach and intestines and ensures that we stay full for a long time. You can therefore wait a long time for unwanted food cravings. In addition, the whole grain product contains many nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc as well as vitamins such as B1 and B6. In addition, oatmeal is very rich in protein and low in fat.
We will tell you exactly how all this affects our health and our body:
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These 6 things happen when you eat oatmeal every day
1. Oatmeal helps you lose weight
If you enjoy a delicious bowl of oatmeal in the morning, you will stay full for a long time. The reason: Due to the complex carbohydrates, the blood sugar level rises slowly and supplies the body with energy for a long time. This prevents unwanted food cravings and thus extra calories. By the way: From a nutritional point of view, it makes little difference whether you eat crunchy or tender oat flakes.
2. Oatmeal stimulates digestion
Since oatmeal is very high in fiber, our digestion is stimulated and the metabolism boosted. The flakes swell up in the gastrointestinal tract and thus increase the volume of the stool. For this reason, oatmeal soup is a popular home remedy for gastrointestinal problems such as constipation . Anyone suffering from gastric mucosal inflammation should also use the healthy filler. The fibers keep the acidic gastric juice away from the mucous membrane.
3. Oatmeal protects our heart
High cholesterol is a common cause of heart disease. Studies have shown that the dietary fiber beta-glucan found in oatmeal can effectively lower cholesterol and LDL levels. Beta-glucan ensures that more cholesterol-containing bile is excreted. As a result, less cholesterol circulates in the blood. In order to achieve this effect, however, you must consume about two servings of 40 grams of oatmeal per day.
4. Oatmeal is a plant-based source of protein
Along with carbohydrates and fat, protein is one of the three main nutrients our body needs. Among other things, we need protein for our muscles or bones and transport essential substances in the body. In addition, high-protein foods keep us full for a long time. The most important protein suppliers are cheese, meat and eggs – all foods that vegans avoid. Luckily, however, there are oatmeal that serve as a good source of plant-based protein. There are about 7.5 grams of protein in 50 grams of the grain.
5. Oatmeal keeps us young and healthy
Did you know? There are many antioxidants and polyphenols in oat flakes, i.e. secondary plant substances that have a number of positive effects on our body. They naturally lower high blood pressure and protect the body from free radicals, premature tissue aging and even cancer.
6. Oatmeal nourishes our hair
Yes, you read that correctly. If you brush oatmeal regularly, you will get beautiful and strong hair. Because the grain contains plenty of biotin, which is one of the B vitamins. Biotin can therefore help especially with thin and lackluster hair and strengthen it from the inside. But also applied externally, the small flakes care for our hair and give it new shine and moisture. Simply mix equal parts water and oatmeal together and apply to damp hair after shampooing. Leave on for about ten minutes and then rinse well.
By the way: Since the grain has a relatively high amount of energy, you should eat oatmeal in moderation. The optimal daily portion is 40 to 50 grams of rolled oats, which provide around 150 to 180 calories. To increase the satiating effect of the cereal, you should combine it with products containing protein such as quark, yoghurt or milk.
Storage tip: This way your oatmeal will keep for a long time
As soon as the package of your oatmeal is opened, you should pour it into a storage jar and seal it airtight. This will prevent insects such as food moths from nesting and laying their eggs in the flakes. It is best to store the container in a dark, cool place (e.g. in the pantry or in a kitchen cupboard). Stored properly, the small flakes will keep for months.
