Have breakfast It has been regularly shown to help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, according to UC Davis Health. There is also some evidence that eating a healthy breakfast helps with brain function, especially memory and focus, according to the University of California-run healthcare provider.
Now, new research has shown that oatmeal can promote longevity.
Fox News Digital spoke to two health experts about the claims.
‘I AM A CARDIAC SURGEON, THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EGGS, YOUR HEART AND YOUR HEALTH’
The test group of a recent study from the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine included a 105-year-old woman. One step in her normal daily routine was eat oatmealaccording to Dr. Mike Sevilla, a family physician at Salem Family Care in Salem, Ohio. (He was not involved in the recent investigation.)
“I also remember a study about 10 years ago from the Journal of the American Medical Association in which participants included oatmeal in their diet. their diet‘ said the doctor. ‘And the study revealed a reduction in premature mortality among those who regularly ate oatmeal.’
Eating oatmeal may lead to a longer life, a new study suggests. (iStock)
Other studies on the health effects of oatmeal show that it can lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar levels, which can reduce the risk of diabetes. heart disease and diabetes, Sevilla also said.
Health benefits of oatmeal
Oatmeal is easy to prepare, inexpensive and adaptable to personal taste; people can add ingredients like fruits, nuts, seeds, nut butters and spices.
THIS POPULAR Soft Drink IS THE CHEF’S SURPRISING COOKIE INGREDIENT: ‘FAMILY FAVORITE’
Here are four health benefits that oatmeal offers.
1. Oatmeal can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels
These health benefits usually reduce the chance of developing heart disease and diabetes, Sevilla said.
Fruits, nuts and spices, including cinnamon, can be added to oatmeal to adjust personal taste. (iStock)
“We believe the mechanisms for this are reducing the absorption of cholesterol into the body and having better control over the insulin in the system, which affects blood sugar levels in the body,” he explained.
2. Oatmeal can strengthen the immune system
The comforting breakfast favorite can help prevent colds and winter health problems.
‘MEDICINE BALL’ TEA FOR HOME, SOOTHING AND WARM, CAN HELP COLDS
“This is because minerals such as selenium and copper strengthen white blood cells – a type of cell that fights disease and infection,” according to Health Reporter, a medical information website.
“Oatmeal is incredibly nutrient-rich, packed with multiple vitamins and minerals.”
Oatmeal ingredients can also improve immune responses and can “fight pathogens, remove foreign matter, combat unwanted bacteria and prevent long-term illness,” according to Health Reporter.
3. Oatmeal can help with digestion
Not alone oatmeal is a go-to breakfast that is satisfying and filling, the digestive benefits can also help the intestines.
Oatmeal is a fantastic source of soluble fiber, Brittany Kingry, a registered dietitian and director of dietetics for CoreLife Novant Health in Charlotte, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
Oatmeal has digestive benefits to help the human gut. (iStock)
“Oatmeal contains beta-glucans, a form of soluble fiber that dissolves in water and turns into a thick, gel-like substance in your intestines,” she said.
“This will help slow your digestion, increase good bacteria growth in the gut and help with reduced blood glucose response and insulin response times.”
4. Oatmeal is rich in nutrients
You can start your day like a nutritional winner.
“Oatmeal is incredibly nutrient-rich, packed with multiple vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, folic acid and B vitamins, to name a few,” Kingry said.
Disadvantages to understand
While oatmeal is a useful breakfast choice that offers nutritional benefits, too much of it can have some drawbacks, experts say.
BAGELS, A GOOD BREAKFAST, CAN BE MADE HEALTHIER BY CHOOSING THESE VARIETIES AND SPREADS, EXPERTS SAY
“While oatmeal has great benefits and is full of fiber, we need to be careful about how much and what type of oatmeal we include in our diets,” Kingry warned.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Oatmeal is considered a high-carb food
For a better balance of food groupsKingry recommended adding some protein to your breakfast menu.
“We need to make sure we don’t eat it on its own, but combine it with protein to help stabilize blood sugar levels,” Kingry told Fox News Digital.
Oatmeal is a high-carb breakfast on its own, but when combined with a protein it can help stabilize blood sugar levels. (iStock)
“You can do this by adding nuts, protein powder (make sure you add extra water or it will be grainy) or nut butter through the oatmeal or simply by adding a lean breakfast meat.”
If a person has diabetes or insulin resistance, oatmeal may not be the best option because of the high amount of carbohydrates, Kingry said.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
“They may benefit more from a protein-focused diet in the morning and adding ½ cup of oatmeal if desired,” she said.
2. Too much oatmeal can be problematic
Buying oatmeal at the grocery store can be difficult, Kingry said.
Beware of options with “added sugars or sugar alternatives,” she said. “It is always recommended to buy plain oatmeal to help limit the sugar content.”
For more lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle
Another thing to note, Kingry said, is that although oats are naturally gluten-free, some oats can become contaminated during processing or handling.
Instead, individuals “looking for gluten-free options should pay attention to the labeling of brands that are certified gluten-free.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Kingry recommended sticking to the serving size (1 package or ½ cup uncooked) indicated on the label of the oatmeal purchased.
“It’s very easy to overconsume,” she warned.
