What’s oatmeal good for? Oatmeal is a breakfast staple that has many health benefits. Oatmeal is a great breakfast that will help you live longer and lose weight. Did you know oatmeal is good for your heart health as well?
Experts will often call oatmeal a healthy breakfast. Science has a lot to support this claim. These are the benefits oatmeal recepti has for your heart health. But, there’s one downside: it can also harm your heart. If you feel inspired to eat oatmeal as a breakfast option, then check out these 51 Healthy Overnight Oats recipes.
- It lowers cholesterol.
Amy Goodson MS, RD CSSD, LD and author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, says that oatmeal is an excellent way to support healthy hearts due to its high soluble fiber content. Soluble fiber may help reduce total and ‘bad” LDL cholesterol which could help to lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. You can increase the fiber content of your oatmeal by adding toppings such as berries, almonds, or seeds.
- It regulates your blood sugar.
Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber which can help to control blood sugar. A steady level of blood sugar will reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in your life. According to the Mayo Clinic soluble fiber can slow down the absorption of sugar. This improves blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Flavored oatmeal may increase your chance of getting a disease.
Flavored oatmeals can have a high level of sugar which can cause the oatmeal to reverse its effects on blood sugar stabilization. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), an increase in sugar intake can lead to increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
For a healthy heart, make sure to cook a bowl of oatmeal with nut butter, cocoa powder and pumpkin. You can also add spices, cinnamon, fresh fruits, seeds, nuts, spices, and other healthier toppings to your bowl.
- Plain oatmeal has nutrients that lower your risk.
Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber and contains potassium and magnesium, which are both good for the heart.
Harvard Health reports that magnesium deficiencies are linked to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, high cholesterol, cardiac arrest and other conditions.
Potassium can help to manage high blood pressure (hypertension), which your body might be experiencing because of a high level of sodium. According to the AHA you will lose more sodium if you eat potassium.