I think it got maligned a bit during the low-carb craze, but everything I’ve read suggests that oatmeal is a very healthy, slow-burning carb for most people provided you don’t eat the sugar-laden processed types, or you’re gluten sensitive eating oatmeal packaged and processed in contact with gluten.
I get suspicious of any source that touts quinoa, kale and almonds while putting down oats, spinach and beans. Healthy food doesn’t have to be expensive, but there’s a whole industry in making people think otherwise.
Oats are cheap, filling, full of fiber, and shown to reduce your risk of heart disease and hypertension. If you have a specific contraindication, talk to your doctor or a diet specialist!
Plain Oatmeal by itself is anti inflammatory. It has fiber and it helps lower cholesterol. I’d be skeptical of studies claiming plain rolled oats or steel cut oats are bad for you in the context of inflammation.
I love oatmeal. I can eat it everyday. It’s definitely good for the body because it has antioxidants, and it promotes healthy bacteria in the gut. I’ve actually read that it has anti-inflammatory effects. I love pairing it with berries. :)
About 7 years ago, my grandpa, 90ish at the time was about to eat a bowl. He had colorectal cancer since 84 years old. He said that he was told to eat it several times per week. He told me it helped with everything for him. I have been eating it 4-6 days/week ever since. I am the leanest and healthiest I have ever been. I have mastered oats and I love it. The recipe will evolve, but I’ll prob never stop eating it
The only thing that might be bad is the anti-nutrients which also exists in other grains. it prevents zinc and magnesium from being absorbed. Solution? Soak the oats in water with acid (apple cider vinegar or lemonjuice) in 12 hours before cooking to minimize the anti-nutrient content.
The thing is a lot of people eat oatmeal with sugar. Whereas plain oatmeal cooked in water, with adding a little milk, a few grams of butter, salt and pepper once cooked… is absolutely delicious, filling, and doesn’t trigger my cravings .
Oatmeal has a relatively high gluten ppm for a nonwheat food product which can cause inflammation but it is my opinion that the soluble fiber and phytonutrients outweigh the inflammation. Oatmeal is great for weight loss because of its appetite suppression. Frankly, if you analyze any food, you can find some aspect that would negatively affect health even if that food is widely considered healthy. Can’t not eat.
edit: im not gluten sensitive or have celiac
This is probably something you need to figure out on your own. I can’t do oatmeal, I just start feeling off if I’m having it regularly. But I also have lots of sensitivities to food. So for me, it is likely causing inflammation. It is perfectly fine for others and some have oatmeal every day and feel great! So maybe go a week without, take note of how your energy and stomach feel, then try a few days where you have oatmeal each day. If you feel better without, it might be causing inflammation for you.
Don’t eat instant oatmeal as it spikes your blood sugar significantly more than standard rolled oats. Eat rolled oats instead, which are amazing for you. They’re basically equivalent to quinoa. It’s one of my main breakfasts. Like with any carb, I usually try and eat some protein with it in order to reduce blood sugar spikes. For oatmeal I either do slivered almonds or some scrambled eggs on the side.
Having a shake with oatmeal raw and fruits like strawberry bananas or blueberries
Is not such a good combination - make you feel bad after - maybe it becomes a bit more agreeable if cooked- or separately
Depends if you have any existing conditions that it may affect. Oats, in all of their forms, are a really good source of fiber! So, they are good for lowering cholesterol and controlling glucose levels, if you’re monitoring those things. The different types have slightly different effects on glucose levels. Old-fashioned , being a bit more processed, raise blood sugar quicker (have a higher glycemic index) than say, steel-cut oats. However, unless you have diabetes or another condition involving glucose-sensitivity, all oats have some amount of benefits.
I cook steel-cut oats ahead of time on the stove, refrigerate it until I’m ready to spoon out a portion, add a splash of almond milk and whatever toppings I want.
I microwave it for a minute or two, and it is as good as freshly cooked for me.
It makes a filling breakfast on-the-run and sates my appetite until lunch. I’ve also heard it is high in fiber which is a plus for me.
Oatmeal is excellent. The steel cut are a bit much for me, I use quick or old fashioned (never the packets). Make it with milk because it’s more filling and contributes protein. I shoot for at least 30g of protein per meal. Oatmeal, mix-ins, a few egg whites and I’m full for a while. And that’s saying a lot because I’m infamous for my hunger.
It’s healthy and hearty.
I just found out that I absolutely love unsweetened oat milk. I can’t drink regular milk. Reading this post is making me thirsty for some oat milk and now I think I’m gonna add some steel cut oats to my Instacart…hmmm…I wonder if I would use some of my oat milk in my oatmeal…
It can depend on the person. Does oatmeal raise their insulin levels? Do they add fiber and fat? Are they eating the processed packaged stuff or properly preparing the oats? Are they sprayed with pesticides or clean?