Oatmeal is one of the most nutritious breakfast staples. Packed with complex carbohydrates, a bowl of oatmeal keeps you energized for a long time. The dietary fiber and antioxidants in oat help in improving the overall quality of your health. What follows is a list of health benefits of oatmeal that will tempt you to include this popular food in your daily breakfast menu.
Good For Heart
Oatmeal is a heart healthy food. The dietary fibers in oat bind with cholesterol in the intestinal tract and remove the unhealthy lipids from the body. Moreover, the antioxidant compounds in oat prevent oxidation of the low density lipoprotein (LDL), thereby reducing the risk of formation of plaques in the coronary arteries. The cholesterol lowering and the antioxidant effects of oatmeal help in improving the functioning of the heart.
Maintains Normal Blood Sugar Level
The complex carbohydrate in oatmeal is digested slowly. Hence, it helps in maintaining a steady supply of glucose without spiking the blood glucose level. The beneficial effect of beta-glucan a type of soluble fiber found in oat on insulin resistant diabetes has made oatmeal the ideal breakfast staple for people with type 2 diabetes.
Strengthens Immune System
Beta-glucan in oat helps in boosting the activity of the immune cells. It helps in improving the ability of the immune system to fight bacterial infections. Hence, having a bowl of oatmeal daily can protect you from infections.
Helps In Weight Loss
Oatmeal is the ideal food for meeting your energy need without pushing up your body weight. It has a high satiety level and hence, keeps your stomach full for a longer time.
Clear Skin
You can also use oatmeal as a face mask or body scrub. It is a time tested remedy for itchy and irritated skin. It soothes the skin, promotes exfoliation and leaves the skin soft and smooth.
