8 Reasons You Should Eat Your Oatmeal - Oats (Avena sativa) is a healthy full grain food eaten mostly oatmeal, oats bread, or oats cookies during breakfast. It is a good choice of meal to start the day due to its beneficial nutritional contents, including protein and fiber. Let us look at a few benefits that can be derived from the consumption of oat.
High fibre content
Oats are rich in both soluble and insoluble fibers. They contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber that dissolves in water and becomes a gel-like thick solution that prevents constipation.
Improves heart health
High cholesterol content is a causal element in most heart diseases. The antioxidants present in oats are good for heart health and the dietary fibers help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol without having any effect on HDL (good) cholesterol.
Aids hypertension treatment
Oats contain a high amount of antioxidants and plant compounds named polyphenols. A group of such antioxidants called avenanthramides help in reducing blood pressure levels by producing nitric oxide. This, in turn, helps better blood flow and helps dilate the blood vessels.
Improves immunity
The beta-glucan in oatmeal helps boost the immune system. The majority of immune cells in the body are able to absorb beta-glucan that boosts the activity of white blood cells that protect your body against diseases. Selenium and zinc present in oats also help fight infections.
Improves sleep quality
The presence of amino acids and other nutrients in oats help in the production of a chemical called melatonin which aids sleep. Oats contains vitamin B6 and also boosts the release of serotonin which helps reduce stress.
Aids weight loss
Ae earlier pointed out, oays are are rich in fiber. The high fiber content causes you to feel fuller fast and also for a long time. The beta-glucan present in oats delays the emptying of the stomach. All these combine to reduce the urge to eat that usually leads to weight gain.
Boosts energy
Oats are rich source of carbohydrates, a primary source of energy, and in magnesium which help regulated blood pressure. Regular intake, especially as brekfast with a dollop of honey, ensures you have the energy to face the rest of your day
Protects the skin
An oatmel helps in moisturizing, softening and maintaining the pH level of the skin. It even protects your skin from pollution and harsh chemicals. It contains saponins that help remove dirt and oil from pores and acts as natural cleansers.
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