Why You Should Eat Oats Everyday
By Sara Butler
The popular saying is that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but you could easily replace that apple with oats for the same result! Oatmeal is very good for your health and wellness. So, if you're not getting enough oats in your day, then here are a few reasons you "oat" to get more!
Oats Are Full of Fiber
Oats are full of both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber cannot be digested, so it moves through your body taking additional waste from the foods you eat right along with it. This helps to keep your digestive system healthy.
Soluble fiber, once eaten, forms a kind of gel that helps your body to keep blood sugar stable and reduce cholesterol levels. This fiber is slowly digested, which means it fills you up and keeps you satisfied for longer, too.
Oats Provide a Balanced Breakfast
Breakfast is a very important meal since it sets you up nutritionally for the whole day. That's why oats make such a good choice for your morning meal since they are low in calories but high in fiber and protein. Add in a little nut butter for even more protein that will help keep you away from those pastries in the break room until you can have lunch.
Oats are Full of Minerals
Oatmeal contains iron, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, thiamin, manganese, and zinc. So, forget that daily vitamin and replace it with a steaming bowl of oatmeal instead since it's so full of important nutrients your body needs to function at its very best.
Oats are Naturally Free of Gluten
If you have to watch your gluten intake due to celiac disease, then oats are naturally gluten-free. But it's still important to check the label since some oats are processed in the same facilities as other grains which are not gluten-free, causing cross-contamination. Check with the manufacturer to find out if the oats you want are officially free from gluten or not.
Oats Help You Maintain a Healthy Weight
Since oats have all that fiber, they're also a great way to get full and stay that way. Don't fear the carbohydrates in foods such as oats if you're trying to reach or maintain a healthy weight because they're the good kind of carbs. Though, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes, no matter how good a food is for your health.
Go ahead, have a bowl of steaming oats in the morning. Your body will thank you for it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Shreveport, La.