This familiar food is not only good for our bodies, but delicious any time of the day.
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Oats are rich in protein and unsaturated fats, with a high concentration of vitamins, especially B1, B2, and E. They have valuable, slow-absorption energy content, and are a good source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and zinc, so they are highly recommended for people who need to increase their energy. Students, and those of you who suffer from lethargy, chronic sleepiness, or constant stress … eat your oatmeal!
Including oats as part of a healthy diet brings many benefits:
- Oats are ideal for people who are on a diet because they create a feeling of fullness, thanks to their fiber, which slows the absorption of carbohydrates and glucose and also reduces appetite.
- They contain lots of insoluble fiber and foster the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract, so they help prevent constipation.
- They help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol without lowering your “good” HDL cholesterol.
- The consumption of whole grain cereals, including oats, has been shown to be related to a lower risk of death by cancer.
- Oats are a natural diuretic, helping eliminate excess fluids in the body.
- The magnesium and B-vitamins content in oats is good for the brain and nervous system, potentially helping people who suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia, memory problems, etc.
- Their high calcium content helps avoid the demineralization of bones, thus helping prevent osteoporosis.
- Oats are good for people with diabetes, as they have a low glycemic index; some studies show they may also increase insulin sensitivity.
- They are ideal for athletes, because of their slow-release carbohydrates and protein content.
- Applied directly to the skin, finely ground oats are excellent for helping treat and soothe dry, itchy skin due to dermatitis, acne, or psoriasis.
Read more:
Autumn brings us perfect weather for baked oatmeal!
Eating oatmeal is ideal for breakfast, because it gives you the energy and nutrients you need to face a new day. It’s healthiest when you buy unsweetened oatmeal and prepare it with water or low-fat milk; it’s also great in fruit smoothies.
If you are not on a low-calorie diet, we can also recommend oatmeal pancakes, which are delicious with butter and syrup, or cream cheese, fruit, honey, etc.!
Recipes
Here is my easy oatmeal pancake recipe:
250 grams of oatmeal
Half a cup of milk
1 egg
Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
Mix the oatmeal with the egg and the vanilla extract; then add the milk, and mix thoroughly. If you see that it’s still a bit dry, you can add a little more milk. If you want, you can also add cocoa. Then, add a teaspoon of butter to a hot pan. Pour the batter to make pancakes, cooking them for three minutes, flipping them over occasionally. Serve according to taste: with butter and syrup, honey, fruit, whipped cream, etc.
Below are some more delicious recipes—sweet and savory—including oats or oatmeal:
Apple Pie Oatmeal
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYn1p0oAMS3/
Baked Oatmeal
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYjNUYtBSxE/
Oatmeal Banana Bread
https://www.instagram.com/p/BW1pJBOhKxD/
Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins
Savory Mushroom and Herb Steel Cut Oat Risotto
This article was originally published in the Spanish edition of Aleteia, and has been translated and/or adapted here for English-speaking readers.