Oatmeal is a preparation made from oat groats. It is also referred to as porridge, oatmeal cereal and stirabout. Oatmeal is today an important part of a healthy breakfast due to the increased awareness towards the health benefits associated with it, including timely prevention of heart disease...

Enlarge Image Oatmeal is now marketed extensively in the form of coarse oat groats, cut oats, crushed as well as rolled oats. The ingredient is either consumed independently, cooked with milk and sugar, or used to thicken soups and broths. The popular marketed forms also come with various flavor additives. Ready to eat oatmeal porridge, oatmeal cookies, oatmeal bread and cakes add quality to the racks in any health food store or food-mall. Oatmeal is also used in the making of cosmetics, soaps, alcohol, topical medical applications and pet food.

Health Benefits of Oatmeal:

A number of health benefits are attributed to regular intake of oatmeal. These include:

Lower blood cholesterol.

Reduced risk of heart disease.

Healthier metabolism.

Stabilized blood glucose levels.

Healthy weight control.

Normalized blood pressure.

Oatmeal has a lot of soluble fiber content. This property helps to lower cholesterol and aids weight loss. The Food and Drug Administration analysis of oatmeal, in 1997, declared that regular consumption of oatmeal not only reduced the risk of heart disease, but also contributed to a low-fat diet. The content of beta-glucan is capitalized on by athletes and those in support of weight training. Oatmeal is high in complex carbohydrates and fiber and these nutrients not only slow down the digestion process, but also keep the grey of diabetes at bay.

Oatmeal offers the body a regular dose of Vitamin B. It is also credited with being able to remove bad cholesterol and maintain the level of good cholesterol in the body. It is a proven fact that oatmeal assists weight loss and control. Research reveals that an oatmeal breakfast actually reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, by controlling the blood glucose levels. Oatmeal has a larger content of soluble fiber than rice, whole wheat or corn. It aids in diet control for normalizing blood pressure. It is also rich in minerals and antioxidants.

Research reveals that oatmeal is a good source of protein and iron. It is being currently analyzed to check its role in reducing the risk of cancer. The ingredient is very easy to integrate within any meal. Oatmeal has a mild flavor and mixes readily with any other pre-mix. It is popularly had as an individual breakfast component called porridge; but it is also used to thicken soups and desserts. Oatmeal is very convenient to use. It can be prepared in a microwave or in the old fashioned way of boiling it to a molten mix on the stove-top.

One of the most versatile features of this ingredient is that it never takes more than 10 minutes to cook. It is very nourishing and the best possible taste of solids a baby can get. Athletes and their trainers credit the ingredient as a source of a lot of strength and stamina. Even by itself, oatmeal is very delicious. Since it easily takes on flavors, children could be introduced to it with little effort. Doctors around the world recommend oatmeal for longevity and good digestive health.

The vitamin B content in oatmeal is being highlighted to address the onslaught of serious health problems, such as memory impairment, cognition deficits, pernicious anemia and adrenal system disorders. Its fiber content is currently being analyzed for the role of oatmeal in reducing the onset of atherosclerosis, gallstones, diverticulosis, varicose veins, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and colon cancer.