Benefits of the Amazing Oatmeal for the Body

InfoHealthyLife.Com - Oatmeal is the outermost layer (oatbran) in the inner seeds of wheat (groats). Often used as cereal which is the main food of Scotland and Ireland, as the best source of fiber that can be digested by humans, it is believed to absorb cholesterol, so it can help lower cholesterol in the body and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Oats also contain low glycemia which is good for diabetics because the level of blood sugar produced after eating is very low.

Lately many medical practitioners and nutritionists encourage diabetic patients and the heart to consume oatmeal, mainly because of its efficacy in helping to keep cholesterol and blood sugar levels normal. In addition to the high fiber content, oatmeal also provides magnesium, protein, phosphorus and vitamin B1 (thiamin), which play an important role in producing energy.

Benefits of Oatmeal for Health

To find out more about what health benefits you can get from the food of this whole grain product, here is an explanation as quoted from Symtomfind:

1. Lower cholesterol

Oatmeal is a food source rich in soluble fiber, which is also found in apples, pears and prunes. Soluble fiber can inhibit the body in absorption of bad cholesterol (LDL). One cup and half oatmeal contains more than five grams of fiber, which is enough to reduce your cholesterol level.

2. Reducing the risk of hypertension

The high fiber content in oatmeal not only offers health benefits to the heart, but also decreases the risk of high blood pressure. A recommendation for menopausal women, who tend to be at risk of developing hypertension, must eat at least six servings of oatmeal or other grains each week. Studies show that men can reduce their risk of heart failure if they eat a bowl of whole grain cereal or oatmeal per day.

3. High antioxidants

Oatmeal contains a special type of antioxidant called avenanthramide. These antioxidants are able to fight free radicals that attack HDL or known as good cholesterol. In addition, this compound also protects bad cholesterol (LDL) from the oxidation process, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

4. Prevent hardening of the arteries

Avenanthramides not only protects against heart disease, but these antioxidant compounds are also able to prevent arteries from hardening. Avenanthramides works by suppressing the production of molecules that allow it to prevent hardening of the arterial wall.

Research has shown that menopausal women who eat six servings of whole cereal a week can reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Atheroscleorosis is a condition in which plaque buildup occurs along the arteries and slows down the development of stenosis, which causes the passages of the arteries to narrow.

The benefits of oatmeal for cardiovascular health will be greater when paired with vitamin C.

5. Prevent the development of breast cancer

Research has shown that women who consume high amounts of oatmeal fiber have a reduced risk of breast cancer, especially if it comes from wheat fiber. Fiber insoluble in whole cereals will attack carcinogens and reduce estrogen levels in the body, thus protecting the body from cancer development. A study in the United Kingdom found that pre-menopausal women had a 41 percent reduced risk of breast cancer simply by eating fiber from whole grains or cereals.

6. Prevent the development of diabetes

Besides being rich in fiber, oatmeal is a source of magnesium, which is able to regulate insulin and glucose levels. Various findings have shown that, for eight years, women who ate a diet rich in cereals could reduce their risk of diabetes by 31 percent. To get optimal benefits, you can add milk to oatmeal. Additions of low-fat milk can also reduce the risk of diabetes.

7. Improve the immune system

Oatmeal contains several types of fiber called beta-gluten fiber. This fiber can protect you against heart disease and also increase the immune system. This helps the body's immune cells to search for and repair areas of the body that are infected with bacterial infections.

8. Prevent obesity

Oatmeal is very rich in fiber, this will make you fuller for a longer period of time. Fiber will increase the viscosity of the bowels so that it will take longer to empty. Feeling full for a longer period of time will also prevent the need to snack on sweet or salty foods throughout the day. Research has linked the low risk of obesity in children who regularly eat oatmeal.

9. Can be consumed for celiac patients

Adults and children suffering from celiac disease generally cannot consume gluten (a protein compound found in wheat), but research shows that they can eat oatmeal even though it contains little gluten. Celiac is a malabsorption syndrome in which the intestine is unable to absorb food nutrients.