Introduction
Oatmeal is a popular breakfast food that is known for its health benefits. It is high in fiber, low in calories, and can help to reduce cholesterol levels. But did you know that oatmeal can also have some surprising side effects? Recent studies have shown that eating oatmeal can have a variety of positive and negative effects on your health. In this article, we will explore the surprising side effects of eating oatmeal, according to science. We will look at how oatmeal can affect your blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and even your mental health. So, if you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option, read on to learn more about the surprising side effects of eating oatmeal.
The Surprising Side Effects of Eating Oatmeal, According to Science
Oatmeal is a popular breakfast food that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It is also a great source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full for longer. But did you know that eating oatmeal can also have some surprising side effects? Here are some of the most interesting findings from recent scientific studies.
1. Improved Heart Health
Eating oatmeal can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that consuming oatmeal can lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve blood pressure. All of these factors can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
2. Reduced Risk of Diabetes
Eating oatmeal can also help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that consuming oatmeal can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This can help reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
3. Improved Digestive Health
Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, which can help improve your digestive health. Fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly and can help reduce constipation. Eating oatmeal can also help reduce your risk of developing certain digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Weight Loss
Eating oatmeal can also help you lose weight. Studies have shown that consuming oatmeal can help reduce hunger and cravings, which can help you eat less and lose weight. Oatmeal is also low in calories, so it can be a great addition to any weight loss plan.
Conclusion
Eating oatmeal can have some surprising side effects, including improved heart health, reduced risk of diabetes, improved digestive health, and weight loss. So if you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option, oatmeal is a great choice.
Oatmeal has long been heralded as a near-perfect breakfast—a meal that’s equal parts healthy and tasty. However, there’s a surprising side effect of eating oatmeal that even folks who’ve been eating it daily for years don’t know about.
“One of the biggest things you’ll get from oatmeal (including whole-grain goodness and dietary fiber that supports a healthy heart and healthy gut) is feeling full between meals,” says Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, RD.
Melendez-Klinger notes that a 2015 study published in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism even found that individuals who ate oatmeal for breakfast consumed fewer calories at lunch. That’s far from the only benefit you’ll get from adding oatmeal to your diet, however; read on to discover what else this beloved breakfast could do for your wellbeing. If you’re not sure what to add to your oatmeal, get some inspiration from here: 16 Celebs Share How They Make Oatmeal.
Want to fuel your next workout? Instead of a protein bar or shake, try a bowl of oatmeal.
“Oats increase your metabolism and can amplify your athletic performance if it’s eaten within one hour of exercise,” says registered nutritionist Jay Cowin, director of formulations at ASYSTEM.
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Want your heart to stay healthy for years to come? Try starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal.
“Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber beta-glucan,” explains clinical dietitian practitioner and diabetes educator Tejal Pathak, MS, RD, founder of TejRD. “Numerous studies have linked fiber and its possible role in cardiovascular [health] by improving blood lipid levels and postprandial effects on blood sugars.”
And for more delicious ways to keep your heart healthy, check out these 20 Foods That Can Help Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease.
The health of your gut can affect the wellbeing of virtually every other part of your body—and luckily, oatmeal might just be the thing you need to achieve a healthier, happier belly.
“The fiber content of oatmeal improves gut health and keeps you full,” explains nutritionist Lisa Richards, author of The Candida Diet.
In fact, a 2014 review of research published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that two individuals with ulcerative colitis saw their condition improve after adding oatmeal to their diet, suggesting that “long-term dietary intake of oats or oat bran could benefit inflammatory bowel disorders.”
Want to improve your digestive health in a hurry? Start with the 20 Best Foods for Gut Health.
Want to boost your gut health and your immune health in one fell swoop? It could be as simple as making oatmeal part of your regular routine.
“The fiber content of oatmeal improves gut health by serving as a prebiotic food to feed healthy gut bacteria already existing there. This one fact alone will improve immune health, lower your risk of chronic disease, and reduce inflammation in the body,” explains Trista Best, a registered dietician at Balance One Supplements. And for more easy ways to reduce inflammation, discover the 30 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods.