What makes oatmeal

Specifically, it contains polyphenols, which are plant-based compounds that are rich in avenanthramides. Oatmeal contains a soluble fiber called beta-glucan that can help improve insulin response and possibly reduce blood sugar too.

People with type 2 diabetes may find that incorporating oatmeal into their diet helps them manage their blood sugar levels, as long as they do not add extra sugar to the dish.

A review of research on the benefits of oatmeal for people with type 2 diabetes found that oatmeal has a positive effect on blood sugar control. The authors stated that more research is necessary to test the safety of oatmeal for people with type 1 diabetes. Oatmeal is a nutrient-rich food that contains many vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. Eating low-calorie foods that are high in nutrients can provide a person with the nutrients that their body needs while helping them lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

There is some evidence to back up the claim that oatmeal can support healthy cholesterol levels due to its beta-glucan content. A review determined that oatmeal can reduce total cholesterol levels if people consume 3 grams g or more of beta-glucan a day. The beta-glucan in oatmeal forms a gel-like substance when it mixes with water.

This solution coats the stomach and digestive tract. The coating feeds good bacteria in the gut, which increases their growth rate and can contribute to a healthy gut. Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber, so people tend to feel full more quickly after eating it than they do after consuming other foods. Researchers looking at the effect of oatmeal on appetite concluded that it increased fullness and decreased the desire to eat for the next 4 hours.

Asthma is a common condition that often develops during childhood. There is some evidence to suggest that specific foods can be a risk factor for developing asthma, while others may reduce the risk. One is a mix of tart cherries and apples, with a sprinkle of chopped almonds for crunch. The other is a combination of blueberries, orange zest, yogurt, coconut, and chia seeds, with a pinch of cardamom and a drizzle of honey. Topped onto a hot bowl of oatmeal, each makes a hearty, warming, and nutritious breakfast.

On cold mornings, they make me excited to get out of bed, and I hope they do the same for you. Oatmeal is never hard to make, but how you cook it will depend on what kind of oats you buy. So, first and foremost, you have to know your oats. In the store, you will typically see these varieties:. To cook your oatmeal, bring an appropriate amount of water or milk for your oat variety to a boil, and stir in the oats and a pinch of salt.

You could also add a spice like cinnamon, cardamom, or turmeric at this stage. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the porridge has thickened to your desired consistency. Then, load it up with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

A: No, they do not naturally have gluten. Oats can safely be consumed in a gluten-free diet , even in the majority of people who have Celiac disease and have to avoid gluten for medical reasons, according to information from the Celiac Disease Center at UChicago Medicine. Still, some oats are contaminated by wheat, rye, or barley because they are processed in the same factories.

If you have Celiac disease, look for brands that are certified gluten-free on the label. A: You have a lot of options when it comes to oatmeal. That said, even unsweetened instant oatmeal can help you feel full and decrease your appetite, possibly helping you lose weight. A: To draw up an oatmeal bath and possibly relieve itchiness, your first step is to buy colloidal oatmeal. This type of oatmeal is finely milled so that you can throw it into a bath and it will disperse in the water.

The directions will depend on the brand you buy, but Aveeno makes a popular percent colloidal oatmeal product, Aveeno Soothing Bath treatment. To use, simply empty a packet into the running water and soak. A: Oatmeal contains fiber that has been linked to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. A: Yes, given all the benefits listed above, you can feel good about cooking up a bowl in the morning and digging in.

Keep your toppings healthy by sticking to fresh fruit, nuts, and low-fat milk or nondairy milk of choice. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. References Oats — January Grain of the Month. Oldways Whole Grains Council. Encyclopedia Britannica. National Geographic.

September Types of Oats. Department of Agriculture. April Harvard School of Public Health. March One serving packs 3 grams of protein, or 6 percent of your recommended daily intake. Oatmeal is not a complete protein because it does not contain all nine essential amino acids. Whether steel-cut oatmeal, instant oatmeal, or whole oat groats, oatmeal needs just one simple ingredient to cook—liquid.

Most healthy oatmeal recipes call for water, but you can also use milk or even chicken stock. Cooking steel-cut oats—or any other type of oat—is easy. Use dry measuring cups to measure out your oats and liquid measuring cups for your liquid. Below, we break down the best oatmeal cooking methods to help you find the right one for you. Making oatmeal on the stovetop is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to cook it. Simply simmer your oats in their liquid in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until thickened.

Check the package label to verify the cook time, as it will vary depending on the type of oats. Cooking oatmeal in the microwave is an easy shortcut, but it can often end in a goopy mess of exploded oats. Protect your microwave by cooking your oatmeal in short 30 to 40 second spurts or by decreasing the power level.

Simply pour your oats and liquid into the well, then let your slow-cooker work its magic work overnight.

The long cook time also allows the flavors of any aromatics you add to develop and infuse—try dried fruit, cinnamon stick, or vanilla bean. This clever make-ahead oatmeal method is perfect for steel-cut oatmeal and other varieties that take longer to cook. You can make overnight oats straight in the container you eat them from, such as a bowl or Mason jar.

Overnight steel-cut oats can be enjoyed as is at room temperature, but you can also pop it in the microwave if cold oatmeal doesn't appeal to you. Put your oatmeal IQ to the test with our mouthwatering oatmeal recipes. When baking with oats, be careful about substitutions.

For example, using steel-cut oats over old-fashioned rolled oats may affect the outcome of the recipe. Below, discover easy, delicious, and healthy ways to work more oatmeal into your diet. These addictive oatmeal cookies are completely gluten-free, thanks to a nutritious trio of rolled oats, ripe banana, and peanut butter.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips and roasted sunflower seeds make for a salty-sweet crunch in every bite.