Unlock the morning: Overnight oats boost health and energy
The benefits of regularly consuming oatmeal are numerous. It’s an excellent way to start the day because oatmeal satisfies hunger, boosts energy, and supports concentration. If cooking oatmeal is too time-consuming for your morning routine, try the overnight oats recipe.
7:54 PM EDT, October 18, 2024
Overnight oats are gaining popularity, although some people are skeptical about this preparation method. The oats are soaked in a liquid of your choice and set aside overnight to soften. As a result, the oats are ready to eat in the morning without any cooking, requiring just a bit of flavor addition. Here's why it’s worth trying this method of preparing oatmeal.
Is overnight oatmeal healthy?
The base of overnight oatmeal is oats that have not been extensively heat-treated. In the evening, they are soaked in a liquid like water, juice, milk, or a plant-based beverage and left overnight, which is why they're called "overnight oats." By the next day, the oats are soft and ready to eat without prior cooking—a factor that might concern some. However, this concern is unfounded because oats are pre-steamed and heated to remove harmful pathogens, making them safe to consume without cooking.
It's also important to mention that prolonged cooking of oats results in a loss of their nutritional value, especially vitamins. Overcooked oatmeal not only looks less appetizing but also loses a significant portion of its beneficial properties. Eating raw oats is possible regardless of their type. However, raw oats contain a lot of fiber and can be difficult to digest.
Why should you eat overnight oatmeal for breakfast?
Oats are not only an excellent source of protein but also rich in healthy amino acids. By eating oatmeal for breakfast, you provide your body with the amino acids necessary for proper functioning. Oats also supply vitamin B6, which supports memory and concentration and prevents anemia, as well as vitamins B1 and pantothenic acid, which counteract fatigue and irritability and improve the condition of the skin, hair, and nails.
Oats contain beta-glucan, which has prebiotic properties, meaning it serves as food for beneficial bacteria living in the intestines. The bacteria in the intestines partially break down beta-glucan, leading to the formation of organic acids necessary for the proper functioning of the colon and immune system.
Moreover, eating overnight oatmeal may help combat high blood pressure. Because oats are rich in fiber, they can enhance vascular function, thereby supporting heart health and circulation. The antioxidants in oats also widen and relax blood vessels, helping prevent hypertension.
