Oatmeal is a breakfast dish that's loved worldwide. And while oats are commonly recognized for their nutritional benefits, is oatmeal as nutritious as many people make it out to be? In short, yes. Oatmeal is a wholesome food that's loaded with outstanding benefits. So if you're interested in learning more about this superfood and its impact on everything from gut health to weight loss, continue scrolling as we dive into oatmeal's many benefits.
Benefits of Oats
Oats Are a Good Source of Fiber
Oatmeal provides a plant-based source of fiber that can contribute to gut health and feelings of satiation. Dietary fiber, often found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains like oats, works by adding bulk to your stool and softening it, relieving signs of constipation and diarrhea. Additionally, diets high in fiber may help control blood sugar levels, especially for people with diabetes.There are two kinds of fiber: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber can help slow the absorption of sugar and help improve blood sugar levels. Whereas insoluble fiber is the type responsible for adding bulk to the stool and helping food pass through the stomach quickly. Oats contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. So, whether you're looking to improve gut health or balance out your blood sugar, oats are an excellent option.
Oats Are Packed with Nutrients
Oatmeal is a dish that is overflowing with good-for-you nutrients. A source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, many of the nutrients found in oatmeal are essential for maintaining good health. By working a bowl of this superfood into your weekly menu, you can provide your body with more nutrients and improve your health one breakfast at a time. If your current diet lacks a specific vitamin or mineral, we recommend boosting your bowl of morning oats with healthy add-ins like dried fruit, nuts and seeds to ensure that you're receiving all the nutrients needed.
Oats Are Free of Artificial Sugars
One of our favorite aspects of oats is that they're derived from one wholesome ingredientwhole grain oats. And while the ingredients you choose to mix into your oats are up to your discretion, oats themselves don't contain any artificial sugars or extra ingredients. This provides you with a genuinely wholesome base that can be used to create all types of meals.
Oats Are Filling
Another benefit of enjoying fiber-packed oats is that they help keep you fuller for longer. Loaded with nutrients, enjoying a bowl of oats in the morning will provide you with a steady burst of long-lasting energy and keep you full until your next meal. Plan ahead and make a batch of Easy Overnight Oats, or turn your favorite oatmeal into a delicious on-the-go PB&J Oat Bars. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, oats are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Oats Are Versatile
Oats are incredibly versatile. Oats offer a subtle nutty flavor that can be combined with just about anything. Turn your bowl of oatmeal into a sweet, dessert-like treat, or top it off with egg and arugula for a savory breakfast, lunch, or dinner dish. Oats' versatility makes this ingredient one that everyone can enjoy. Plus, it's much easier to stick to a healthy diet if you enjoy what you're eating!
Oats Can Be Used as a Substitute for Flour
Oats are an excellent alternative to traditional flours, whether you're looking to enrich your recipes with a bit of nutty flavor or add a unique and chewy texture to baked goods. Additionally, gluten free oats can be ground and used as flour to create celiac-friendly baked goods like brownies and cookies. While oat flour shouldn't be directly substituted for flour, it can be combined with other flours to recreate the same great taste and texture. Search for a recipe that uses oats or create your own by following a few oat substitution guidelines.
Oatmeal Can Be Enjoyed Anytime
If you're new to following a healthy diet, you're likely searching for breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes that you can recreate to provide your body with the calories and nutrients needed to stay fit and strong. The great thing about oats is that you can enjoy them any time of the day because of their versatility. So where one day you might have an oat-based breakfast, the next you can enjoy an oat-based dinner. Either way, you'll feel great knowing that your flavor-filled meal is also loaded with nutritional benefits.
Flavorful Oatmeal Recipes to Try
The many benefits of oatmeal are endless, making it an excellent addition to your healthy diet. Start incorporating oatmeal into your weekly meal plan, and make one of the delicious recipes below.
Savory Oatmeal with Baked Eggs
This recipe is for you if you're eager to add oatmeal to your weight loss meal plan and aren't a fan of sweet breakfast items. At first thought, many people assume that oatmeal has to be sweet to taste good. However, oatmeal's subtle nutty flavor makes it easy to combine with various foods and flavors to create delicious meals. For a scrumptious bowl of oatmeal that we're confident you haven't tried yet, try this Savory Oatmeal with Baked Eggs. The ideal breakfast or lunch dish, it's a unique way to enjoy our delicious steel -cut oats. Made with wholesome ingredients like greens, eggs and oats, enjoying this oatmeal regularly will provide your body with an abundance of essential vitamins and nutrients necessary to maintain good health. Make a bowl for yourself to enjoy, or make a large batch and enjoy it with the family.
Baked Pear Oatmeal
Take your morning bowl of oats up a notch by baking it instead of boiling it. A relatively straightforward process, baking oatmeal is an excellent way to bring out new flavors and textures that you wouldn't usually get with a traditional bowl of oats. Wondering what ingredients taste good when baked? We love adding seasonal fruits and warm spices to our breakfast oats, which is exactly how we came up with this Baked Pear Oatmeal. It's an easy yet fancy way to cook oats that will be a hit in your household.
Lemon Marmalade Oatmeal
An award-winning dish, this Lemon Marmalade Oatmeal holds a special place in our hearts. A truly unique and delicious recipe, Bob prepared this oatmeal in Scotland when he brought home the 2016 Golden Spurtle Award. First created in Oregon, this dish uses fresh citrus to shine a bit of summer sunshine onto cold, rainy days. The perfect way to infuse your home with cheer and flavor, it tastes similar to a lemon tart and is sweet enough to double as a dessert recipe. However, to ensure that this recipe remains a healthy breakfast instead of a dessert, we recommend using homemade or natural lemon marmalade and coconut whipping cream.
Apple Cinnamon Walnut Oatmeal
A classic oatmeal flavor combo, this Apple Cinnamon Walnut Oatmeal is so delicious that you won't even realize how great it is for you. Made with wholesome ingredients like Steel Cut Oats, chopped walnuts and apples, it's the perfect way to sneak more healthy fats and fiber into your diet. Prep this oatmeal as you're getting ready in the morning, or make it the night before and heat it before heading out the door. It's simple, delicious, and great for you and is the perfect way to fuel your mornings.Oatmeal has several benefits, many of which are essential to weight loss. Whether you're looking to shed a few pounds or transform your diet entirely, adding wholesome oats to the equation is sure to help you reach your health goals. When cooking up your next bowl of oatmeal, remember that you get to choose what you put into it. Stick to recipes that feature healthy ingredients, and when possible, use natural sugars. Incorporating just one or two bowls of oatmeal weekly will give your body the boost of nutrients needed to remain fit and energized. Pull from the tips above and try out one of the listed recipes to reap all of the superfood benefits of oats. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you the best on your health journey.Do you love creating unique and flavorful oatmeal recipes at home? We'd love to hear about the recipes you use to reach your health goals. Share your favorite healthy oatmeal dishes with us in the comments below. We can't wait to hear from you.