What Happens when You Eat Oatmeal Every Day - Improve Heart Health

 

It feels like everyone is singing the praises of oatmeal lately. It can do wonders for your body, can help you live longer, and overall tastes exquisite—especially when you make this peanut butter overnight oat recipe. But are all of the side effects of eating oatmeal actually positive? Are there negative side effects we should know about?

We turned to a few registered dietitians and doctors to learn the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to oatmeal. And no surprise—the side effects of eating oatmeal is mostly good. Here's what our experts had to say, and for more healthy eating tips.

1. Oats May Help You Control Your Weight

Oats can keep you feeling fuller longer, thereby helping you control your weight. Sadly, carbs are often discarded and feared by those looking to drop a few pounds, but whole grains can squash hunger and simultaneously provide that pleasant "ahhhh" feeling carb-lovers crave. As with any other food, be mindful of portion sizes.

2. Heart Healthy

The antioxidant content of oats improves heart health. They also contain healthy fats which are good for your cholesterol levels. Oats are packed with linoleic acid and soluble fiber, which help lower the level of triglycerides and cholesterol levels in your blood.

3. You'll build strong muscles

If you're looking for a protein-packed breakfast, oatmeal's got you sorted. A 3.5-ounce serving of oats contains 16.9 grams of protein. And, according to a paper published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, "oats ... are distinct among cereals due to their considerably higher protein concentration. At the same time oats possess a protein quality of high nutritional value and a special protein composition." The majority of the proteins found in oats are from the globulin family, which are more bio available than the pronominal group of proteins found in large amounts in other grains. In fact, the protein makeup of oats resembles that of legumes.

4. May decrease a child’s risk of asthma

Studies have shown that introducing oats to infants before the age of 6 months old has been associated with a decreased risk of developing childhood asthma.

5. Help with constipation relief

Studies have shown that oat bran, which is the fiber-rich outer layer of the grain, has helped relieve constipation in elderly people.

You’ll never have a boring breakfast ever again

Your body thrives on a range of foods, and oatmeal is the perfect blank canvas to mix-up your breakfast routine with different toppings. You may like to prepare oatmeal each morning, but you can also make a large pot for the week ahead and portion out a serving to reheat each day. (I recommend adding a bit more milk or water before microwaving for a minute.)

Ideas to flavor your new morning regimen:

• Throw in some fruit slices (fresh, frozen or canned works great!) are always a good idea (try apples, strawberries, kiwi)
• Stir in a spoonful of pumpkin puree and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon
• Top oats with a drizzle of honey and a few nuts or seeds
• Add chopped dried mango and coconut flakes for tropical oatmeal
• Use applesauce to sweeten, then toss in a few raisins
• Soak rolled oats overnight in milk, top with peanut butter and banana in the morning and enjoy chilled or reheated

Oatmeal is truly a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack option you should feel good about. So, try to incorporate it into your meals and reap the benefits of this “whole”-some food!