Why oats should be
your go-to breakfast?
Anyone else feel like all they hear about is how good
oats are for them? There seems to be an array of different ways to eat your oats too. There's porridge oats,
Bircher oats, overnight oats and even proats!
So what makes
porridge oats so nutritious?
One important benefit of porridge oats is that they
provide long-lasting energy. This is because they are high in both fibre and
protein, which provides the perfect combination for steadying your blood
sugar levels and ensuring you maintain energy for longer. They are also an
excellent source of magnesium and vitamin B6 which are known to boost energy
and reduce fatigue. This all helps to reduce the rollercoaster effect of
energy dips throughout the day that can cause you to crave the kinds of
sugary foods that can lead to weight gain.
But it's not all about energy. Vitamin B6 also supports
a healthy immune system and hormone balance, helping to prevent illnesses.
Iron and calcium within oats also help to support a healthy body,
contributing to healthy blood and bones.
What are the other
benefits of porridge oats?
Many of us already know that oats are nutritious - but
it's not enough to make us buy them. So if their health benefits don't swing
it for you, consider these other reasons:
1.
They're
cheap - you can buy a 1kg bag of oats (good for around 20 bowls) for under a
pound/euro.
2.
They're
great for winter AND summer - 'overnight oats' soaked in yoghurt and
refrigerated overnight, and muesli made with nuts and dried fruit are great
porridge alternatives for warmer months.
3.
They're
diverse - you can add an endless array of toppings to make your porridge oats
to your exacting taste, can also be used in breads and muffins.
Get bonus
nutritional benefits from toppings
Adding delicious ingredients to your oats can also
provide nutritious benefits. Here are some healthy and tasty additions:
Fruits and berries
Fresh fruits and berries are full of vitamins and
minerals and are a great way to add natural sweetness to your oats. Keep
dried fruit to a minimum since they are high in sugar. Many fruits especially
berries, cherries and pomegranate are high in antioxidants and are
particularly good for cardiovascular health.
Nuts
Combining protein with high-fibre oats will keep you
feeling fuller for longer. You can find protein in nuts, which have
additional goodness - almonds are high in magnesium and all nuts are a good
source of unsaturated fats. Brazil nuts are also a very good source of
selenium. Add no more than one tablespoon, since nuts are also high in
calories.
Seeds
Seeds are a great source of those essential omega 3
fats which we can only get through our diet. Omega 3 has natural
anti-inflammatory properties so is good for recovery and general health.
Flaxseeds are also high in fibre and support digestive health. Two
tablespoons per serving sprinkled over the top adds a lovely crunchy texture
to your oats.
Spices
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Delivering Experiences That Enrich and Nourish Lives. Providing Catering Services Across The Whole Of The Robert Gordon University Campus. A Space For Our Healthy Living Project, Advice On Healthy Eating As A Student and Our Healthy Menu Alternatives.
Wednesday, 26 April 2017
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