FoodUnlocking the power of breakfast: Raw oatmeal might be healthier than cooked

Unlocking the power of breakfast: Raw oatmeal might be healthier than cooked

The healthiest flakes.
The healthiest flakes.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

1:06 PM EST, January 16, 2024

We are all aware of the numerous health benefits that come with consuming oatmeal. However, quite often, we don't know how to prepare meals with oatmeal as the main ingredient to maximize its nutritional benefits. It turns out there is an incredibly simple way to enjoy the most important properties of oatmeal, and we'll be sharing that below.

The healthiest cereals you should be eating for breakfast

Do you lean towards oatmeal or oat pancakes for breakfast? Each is delicious in its own way, with the right additions enhancing the flavor even more. You'd probably be surprised to learn that many folks, including scientists, have wondered about the health implications of eating raw oatmeal. The findings are intriguing: it appears that raw oatmeal is much healthier than its cooked counterpart. This is particularly true for instant and highland oatmeal.

The reason is quite straightforward. Such types of oatmeal preserve all their nutritional properties and even contain four times more resistant starch. This component aids in maintaining the digestive system's proper functioning, lowers cholesterol levels, aids weight loss, and counteracts constipation. Additionally, raw oat flakes have a low glycemic index, making them suitable for consumption by people with diabetes or insulin resistance.

Breakfast
Breakfast© Pixabay

Is raw oatmeal safe to eat?

Generally, consuming products made from raw flour is not deemed healthy due to potential digestive issues. When it comes to oatmeal though, it's important to remember that it undergoes pre-processing through steaming and heating. This process eliminates all pathogens making it safe to eat. The major drawback would be their hardness, which contributes to an unfavorable taste. So, how can you counteract this issue? Simply soak them in water, milk, or yogurt. This process will result in a creamy texture without compromising their nutritional value.

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