Oatmeal - health benefits and harms

Types of oatmeal

Coming to the store, the buyer may be faced with the problem of which oatmeal to choose while receiving maximum health benefits. There is no clear answer to this question; it all depends on the preferences of the individual consumer and the purposes for which the oats will be used. So, there are 2 types of flakes that have their own specific properties:

• "Extra";
• "Hercules".

In addition, the cereal itself is divided into 2 types, each of which, in turn, is of the highest, I and II grade:

• uncrushed;
• flattened

The table below shows the names of oatmeal and their properties:

Harm of oatmeal

Despite the wide list of beneficial properties, oatmeal can still cause harm in some situations, so you need to be extremely careful.

For example, this product will absolutely cause harm and is contraindicated for those who are recognized as intolerant to cereals.

If porridge cooked from oats is consumed in unlimited quantities, then this can cause some harm to the body and negate the benefits. It's all about the phytic acid contained in the product. The harm is due to the fact that it often accumulates in the body. This leads to the leaching of calcium from bone tissue.

Important!

In instant oatmeal, the amount of useful components is several times less. This is the result of special processing, which reduces the amount of vitamins compared to the original version. In addition, such a product is able to regulate metabolism to a lesser extent.

Composition, nutritional value and calorie content of oatmeal

The beneficial properties of oatmeal for the body are associated with numerous vitamins and microelements in its composition. It contains:

• vitamins B and E;
• beta-carotene;
• manganese;
• phosphorus;
• sodium;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• fluorine.

In addition, oats contain useful organic acids, including nicotinic, oxalic, erucic and folic. Oat porridge is also a rich source of fiber.

Oatmeal, along with other healthy cereals, contains an insignificant amount of fat. There is not much protein in it either, and the main benefit and nutritional value lies in the high content of difficult-to-digest carbohydrates, which, due to their properties, are processed rather slowly by the body. However, it is quite a high-calorie product. Depending on the cooking method, 100 g of porridge contains from 88 to 270 kcal. Raw oatmeal contains 310 - 350 kcal per 100 g.

Useful properties of oatmeal

Almost everyone knows that oatmeal is healthy, since it is the first product that is cited as an example when talking about healthy eating. But not many people are interested in the benefits of oat porridge in more detail. Meanwhile, it has a lot of unique properties that help maintain the health and youth of the body.

First of all, porridge effectively improves digestion. The beneficial fiber it contains helps improve stomach function and helps against colitis and indigestion. The mild laxative properties of the cereal, in turn, relieve constipation and cleanse the body of harmful toxins and undigested food.

Fiber is also involved in the regulation of blood glucose and prevents the formation of blood clots, as it has a low glycemic index. This property reduces the risk of heart disease. In addition, the active substances in oats reduce the level of bad cholesterol and normalize blood pressure, which also has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart.

In addition, oatmeal with milk or water has benefits for the intestines. It restores the integrity of the mucous membranes and maintains the level of beneficial bacteria, while inhibiting the activity of harmful microorganisms.

Although the protein content of oats is quite low, it contains useful vitamin H, which stimulates protein metabolism in the human body and promotes its absorption. This property of oatmeal leads to accelerated growth of muscle mass, and therefore its benefits will be appreciated by people who are fond of sports, in particular men. In addition, vitamin E in cereals is involved in the production of the male sex hormone testosterone, which directly affects sexual desire and sperm activity.

Oatmeal is no less beneficial for a woman’s body. Its antioxidant properties suppress the activity of free radicals that cause damage to cell structure, which is why the skin remains elastic and youthful for longer. Beneficial folic acid has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, helps fight fatigue and nervous tension due to its anti-stress properties. In addition, it increases resistance to harmful external influences, strengthens the immune system and keeps the body in good shape.

Another important property of oatmeal is that it retains its benefits in almost any form. That is why there are an immeasurable number of recipes from this cereal.

The benefits of oatmeal with water

Although many consider oatmeal with water to be just as tasty as one cooked with milk, the popularity of this dish is largely due to its benefits and dietary properties. This porridge is often prescribed for therapeutic nutrition for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or for patients during the recovery period after surgery. In addition, this type of porridge, unlike the version cooked with milk, will not cause harm if you are lactase intolerant.

Oats cooked in water are lower in calories (88 kcal), and therefore have proven themselves well in weight loss. It gives you a feeling of fullness for a long time, speeds up metabolism and safely removes harmful toxins, improves your mood and fills you with energy, which makes losing weight much easier both physically and mentally. However, only oatmeal with water in its pure form, without added sugar or artificial impurities, has dietary properties.

Advice! To better assimilate some components of the cereal, you can add products containing healthy vegetable fats to the water porridge, for example, flaxseed oil, hazelnuts or pine nuts, and sunflower seeds.

The benefits of oatmeal with milk

But you don’t need to think that milk oatmeal has no benefits. On the contrary, the properties of cereals prepared in this way complement the beneficial substances characteristic of dairy products, simultaneously giving it a delicate creamy taste. Milk with a low fat content will help compensate for the calorie content of such porridge. Fruits, dried fruits and berries, which can be used to sweeten porridge instead of sugar, will be a useful vitamin supplement.

Important! If you are allergic to milk protein, to avoid harm, you should replace cow's milk with coconut or almond milk.

The benefits of oatmeal for the human body

So, what are the benefits of oatmeal for the body?

According to nutrition experts, due to its easy digestibility and enormous nutritional value, oats should be one of the main staple foods.

It can be eaten every day, like bread, since recent studies have proven that grains should form the basis of the human diet.

In addition, due to its wonderful composition and beneficial properties, oatmeal and oatmeal dishes are especially recommended for certain diseases:

• Diseases of the nervous system. Oatmeal ensures normal functioning of the nervous system, improves brain function and helps fight depression. All this is possible thanks to the presence of nutrients such as glucose (isolated from starch), fatty acids, phosphorus, lecithin and B vitamins. All of them have a strengthening and stabilizing effect and promote mental performance.

How it works? Digestion of porridge made from whole oatmeal takes 3-5 hours, and during this time glucose constantly enters the bloodstream.

Thus, by consuming oatmeal, we maintain a constant, without fluctuations, rate of glucose supply to the brain.

The same thing happens with other foods that have a low glycemic index.

Glucose is the most important fuel for brain neurons. Therefore, a long and constant supply of glucose in the blood improves brain function, prevents dizziness that occurs when consuming foods rich in refined sugar, and prevents sudden mood swings. All this contributes to emotional stability.

At the same time, oats improve the production of serotonin, a chemical regulator of our mood.

In addition, oatmeal contains a non-toxic alkaloid, avenin, which has a calming effect on the nervous system, as well as tocotrienol, a type of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant and neuroprotector.

From all this we can conclude that regular consumption of oats in any form is indicated in cases of nervousness, nervous fatigue and mental exhaustion, depression and insomnia.

This product must be included in the diet of people engaged in mental work, requiring constant tension in thinking, attention, memory, as well as in the diet of students, especially during exams.

• Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. Oatmeal lubricates and softens the walls of the stomach due to the content of vegetable glue and easy digestibility. Oatmeal cooked in vegetable broth is indicated for gastritis, duodenal ulcers, diverticulosis and other digestive disorders.
• Celiac disease (celiac disease). This disease is associated with intolerance to gluten, a protein found in gluten from wheat and other grains. Its symptoms are malnutrition and diarrhea. However, oatmeal contains negligible amounts of gluten, so it is well tolerated by those suffering from this disease. This has been proven by the latest scientific research. So the common belief that oatmeal is not recommended for those suffering from celiac disease is untrue.
• Diabetes. Oats are well tolerated by diabetics, despite their high carbohydrate content. Especially for people suffering from diabetes, it is recommended to consume porridge made from whole grain cereals containing bran. This is due to the presence of fructose and beta-glucan in oats, which is found precisely in bran. Beta-glucan is a soluble plant fiber. This substance has been scientifically proven to significantly improve diabetics' tolerance to the glucose released from oat starch during digestion.
• Increased cholesterol levels. The special composition of fats in oatmeal helps lower cholesterol levels. This is also achieved due to the action of beta-glucan contained in oat bran. Beta-glucan accumulates and removes bile salts from the intestines and at the same time reduces the absorption of fats. Bile acids are the raw materials from which the body produces cholesterol. The ability of oats to lower cholesterol levels has been proven by various studies. Thus, consuming whole grain oatmeal or oatmeal containing oat bran is highly recommended for those suffering from high cholesterol levels.
• Arteriosclerosis and hypertension. Oatmeal should be an integral part of the diet of people suffering from these diseases. As you know, cholesterol is the main enemy of arteries. Therefore, to ensure good results in the treatment and prevention of arteriosclerosis, hypertension, stroke and other diseases associated with blockage of arteries, it is necessary to consume oats in any form regularly, at least once a day.

Educational video about the benefits of oatmeal and its main varieties:

Oatmeal colon scrub

Along with its wonderful taste, oatmeal has medicinal properties, from which fans of traditional medicine benefit. So, based on oat flakes, special scrubs are prepared that cleanse the gastrointestinal tract of harmful compounds and unprocessed food debris. Oatmeal scrubs are used if the following symptoms are present:

• lethargy, apathy;
• prolonged insomnia, irritability;
• swelling;
• sudden weight gain;
• deterioration of hair condition;
• peeling and rashes on the skin;
• white coating on the tongue.

Important! These symptoms may be signs of serious illnesses that have nothing to do with slagging in the body, so before using an oatmeal scrub, you should definitely consult a doctor.

The recipe for making a grain-based cleanser is as follows:

1. In the evening 3 tbsp. l. oatmeal is poured with cool boiled water and placed in the refrigerator overnight.
2. In the morning, eat porridge, chewing slowly and without drinking. Add a little honey or nuts for taste.

We recommend reading: Are buckwheat flakes healthy, composition and calorie content?

This meal is considered an equivalent and healthy replacement for breakfast. To better activate the properties of the scrub, you can drink 1 tbsp before use. water or green tea without milk and sugar. A product based on raw flakes will provide the greatest benefit if taken daily for 30 days. After a 3-week break, you can repeat the procedure 1 - 2 times a week.

The benefits of oatmeal for weight loss

1. Porridge is popular among athletes and individuals who watch their figure and adhere to a healthy diet. The product is in demand among people who are actively gaining weight. Oatmeal is rich in natural protein, which has a positive effect on muscle growth.
2. Keep in mind that being on a protein diet is harmful and dangerous to your health. In addition to protein, oatmeal contains slowly digestible carbohydrates. This makes the dish balanced. For reliable muscle tissue growth, you need to eat egg whites for breakfast along with oatmeal.
3. To burn unwanted pounds, oatmeal is also necessary in the diet. The product perfectly stabilizes the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. The presence of fiber prevents the absorption of fat.
4. Dietary fiber, combined with slow carbohydrates and protein, gives the body a long-lasting feeling of fullness. Iron-rich porridge forms the central nervous system. Therefore, regular consumption of the product leads to a stable psycho-emotional background. You are less susceptible to external irritants and depression.

Oatmeal for constipation

The beneficial properties of oatmeal porridge for constipation are also noted. Oats regulate the functions of the digestive system with the help of fiber. It has the property of enveloping the walls of the stomach, facilitating the digestion of food and at the same time absorbing harmful toxic substances. With its non-aggressive effect, fiber restores normal absorption of beneficial compounds and improves bowel movements. In this case, the greatest benefit is oatmeal made from whole grains in combination with raisins or prunes, which also have laxative properties.

Oatmeal for weight loss (for dieting)

Many people know the benefits of oatmeal for weight loss, and therefore, among people who want to quickly improve the condition of their figure, an oat-based diet continues to be popular. However, it is worth understanding that oatmeal has the ability not only to reduce body weight, but also to promote weight gain. Different methods of preparing oat porridge lead to opposite results, and this property should be taken into account before starting to follow a diet.

Those who want to lose weight should include porridge made from whole grains or “Extra” No. 1 flakes in their menu - they suppress the feeling of hunger for a long time and contain a lot of fiber. It is not advisable to add milk, cream and yoghurt to the product. For dietary purposes, oats should be boiled only in water without sugar and oil, but fruits, vegetables and nuts will not cause harm to the body. The effect of this diet can be enhanced by moderate physical activity, since in this case complex carbohydrates are processed much faster.

Important! An oatmeal mono-diet can cause serious harm to an unprepared body, so before changing your diet, you must obtain a doctor's permission.

Kinds

To make cooking oatmeal take less time, oats are turned into Hercules or Extra flakes. This is done like this: under production conditions: the cereal is washed, dried, cleared of chaff, polished, and passed through a special apparatus. In it, the grains are flattened into smooth or grooved petals of a given thickness. If the petal is thicker, the porridge requires cooking; thin petals just need to be brewed, that is, pour boiling water over it and let it brew.

The thinnest flakes, made like chips, are sometimes called instant. They are digested faster and absorbed by the body, that is, they have a higher glycemic index. It's convenient, but not very healthy. Such cereals fill you up quickly, but the feeling of hunger after them comes within an hour. Therefore, nutritionists recommend Hercules.

What is the difference between rolled oats and oatmeal?

How can you not get confused by the names and distinguish rolled oats from oatmeal or Extra cereal? What is the difference between oatmeal and rolled oats is not a correct question. Oatmeal refers to all products made from oats: rolled groats, flakes of any kind, oatmeal of any grind. The name "Hercules" originates in the USSR. This was the name of the popular oat flakes produced by the Soviet food industry. In addition to them, Petal and “Extra” oatmeal could be found on sale. They differed in cooking time and average petal thickness.

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What are the benefits of oatmeal in the morning?

Many nutritionists and promoters of a healthy lifestyle talk about the maximum benefits of oatmeal in the morning, and this is not an unfounded statement. In the morning, a person most needs energy, which is precisely what oatmeal, rich in carbohydrates, provides. They also deliver a third of the body's daily dose of beneficial macronutrients, such as zinc and phosphorus. Eating oatmeal on an empty stomach speeds up metabolism and gently prepares the stomach for fattier foods.

However, contrary to popular belief, the benefits of oatmeal for breakfast as a self-sufficient meal are greatly exaggerated. And the point here is not so much its harm, but the absence of one of the key substances for life, namely protein. There is little of it in oatmeal, and therefore for a balanced diet it is worth combining a healthy cereal with dishes containing protein: cottage cheese, scrambled eggs or cheese.

But the benefits of oatmeal at night are definitely questioned by all knowledgeable experts. As has already been clarified, oats are a high-calorie food and require energy to break down. At night, a person’s metabolism slows down, and useful elements are not completely absorbed at this time, which is why fat accumulates. In addition, the proportion of carbohydrates received before bedtime makes the body wakeful, which can lead to problems with sleep. So for your own well-being, it’s still not worth eating oatmeal for dinner.

Benefits of oatmeal

The benefits of oatmeal are enormous; this cereal contains many vitamins and microelements.
It is one of the top products on the weight loss list. This porridge contains a large amount of fiber, easily digestible protein, and many B vitamins, which have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. It also contains magnesium, fluorine, calcium, iodine, potassium, iron, phosphorus. All these elements have a beneficial effect on the entire body as a whole, and separately on the digestive system, heart, liver, and respiratory system.

• Contains vitamins: A, E, PP, K, B.
• Thanks to vitamin A in the composition, nails are strengthened, vision is preserved, and the aging process of the body is slowed down.
• Vitamin PP has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart, strengthens its blood vessels, and increases the metabolic rate.
• The B vitamin group helps fight infections and improves the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
• Microelements potassium and magnesium improve heart function and reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Calcium and phosphorus strengthen bones, and high calcium content strengthens muscle mass.
• Iron helps increase hemoglobin levels in the blood.
• This cereal is needed for varicose veins, which is often found in women. Oatmeal cleanses, strengthens blood vessels and removes cholesterol.
• Cleanses the gastrointestinal tract and improves digestion, removing waste and toxins from the body.
• Thanks to the high zinc content, immunity increases, rapid metabolism occurs, blood quality improves and protection against infectious diseases increases.
• Contains the amino acid choline, which is necessary for liver diseases. This amino acid is needed for normal brain function.
• Milk porridge helps to better absorb vitamin A, which is contained in oatmeal.
• Oatmeal contains a large amount of proteins needed by athletes and people leading an active lifestyle, and it is also often used for weight loss. The protein contained in the composition will help you gain muscle mass faster.
• Porridge is useful for people engaged in mental work; it will increase efficiency, concentration, and relieve drowsiness and fatigue.

However, despite its enormous benefits, it can cause harm, especially if used incorrectly or for people with certain diseases.

Oatmeal is famous for its high fiber content, which has a positive effect on the digestive tract. The substance accelerates the absorption of substances into the bloodstream and the distribution of beneficial elements throughout the body.

The protein in porridge is in an easily digestible form. All people, without exception, need it because it restores tooth enamel, nails, hair, bones, and muscle tissue.

Carbohydrates are required to curb hunger. Since oatmeal is rich in complex saccharides, your mood and morale are maintained for a long time. There is little fat in porridge, which makes it possible to add the dish to the menu of obese patients, those losing weight, and diabetics.

The composition of oatmeal is multifaceted, but there is no point in describing each element in detail. Retinol coupled with vitamin E has a powerful antioxidant effect. The substances free the liver from harmful decay products and improve the health of hair and skin.

Oatmeal contains a lot of B-vitamins, namely thiamine, pyridoxine, riboflavin. All these substances are necessary for the nervous system. They protect a person from apathy, chronic fatigue, poor sleep and extraneous irritants.

The porridge also contains vitamin K, PP, D. Among the minerals, the dish boasts calcium, nickel, manganese, iron, and sulfur. Oatmeal also contains magnesium, fluorine, potassium, iodine, and phosphorus.

benefits and harms of barley porridge

1. A huge number of elements have a beneficial effect on all body functions. The digestive system, heart, kidneys, liver, and respiratory system are of particular value.
2. After undergoing abdominal surgery, surgeons advise patients to consume oatmeal to quickly restore digestion.
3. The benefit to the intestines manifests itself in the form of relief from constipation, old waste, severe intoxication of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and all internal organs in general.
4. Coarse dietary fiber in the form of fiber speeds up metabolism, starts digestion after waking up, reduces weight and maintains cholesterol in the blood at a low level.
5. Oatmeal is rich in proteins that athletes and all active people need. Protein accelerates mass gain in the form of muscle fibers and prevents them from breaking down during sleep.
6. Calcium ensures the full formation of bones, teeth, nails and hair. Most often, this mineral is needed by ladies who are faced with alopecia and a stratified free edge of the plate.
7. Oat-based porridge reduces the likelihood of blood clots because it thins the blood to the desired consistency. The dish gently opens blood channels and seals the walls of blood vessels.
8. Porridge is considered the most valuable for patients with heart pathologies. It alleviates the symptoms of the disease and helps speedy recovery. The product keeps you full, which is appreciated by those losing weight.
9. Cereals are recommended for consumption by people who work a lot at the computer or often drive a car. Oatmeal improves vision and also strengthens the eye muscles.
10. Oat porridge improves the memorization of information and increases the speed of its processing. With systematic consumption, brain function increases, and it becomes easier for a person to concentrate on the main thing.
11. The dish forms the basis of many fasting days. Oatmeal contains few carbohydrates and a lot of fiber, so a full-scale cleansing of the intestines from toxins is carried out. Nutrients make the porridge suitable for a diet menu.

benefits and harms of corn porridge

1. Undoubtedly, porridge is useful for humans, but we should not forget that the product has a list of contraindications. The composition can have a detrimental effect on the health of the baby during early complementary feeding (up to 1 year).
2. It is forbidden for a small child to prepare porridge with milk; his body at an early age is not able to break down animal fat. This can lead to a number of unpleasant consequences.
3. Do not forget that oatmeal is a product with a high gluten content. Protein will harm people with individual intolerance and gastrointestinal problems.
4. With individual intolerance to gluten, chronic intestinal inflammation develops in the human body. The disease interferes with the absorption of beneficial enzymes. This pathology is called celiac disease.
5. When overeating oatmeal, even in a healthy person, the absorption of calcium in the body is impaired. This raises a number of problems. To avoid this, it is enough to eat porridge 3 times a week for breakfast.
6. Remember that the product is high in calories; any type of oatmeal has this indicator. Don't rely on instant porridge. Such products have a quick release of calories. This promotes the formation of fatty layers. Don’t even think about including instant porridge in your diet.

Oatmeal is a unique product. Without a doubt, it is valuable for the human body. It is important to follow the daily intake. In this case, the porridge will not pose any danger to you. If you decide to lose weight with oatmeal, consult a nutritionist first.

health benefits and harms of pea porridge

If you want to prepare the healthiest breakfast, then you should opt for oatmeal. This cereal is not only nutritious - many consider it a panacea for all diseases. Is it really? Let's learn more about the benefits and harms of oatmeal.

This grain product contains simply a huge amount of vitamins and useful minerals that every person needs.

Women, having breakfast with oatmeal, not only saturate the body with nutrients, but also help the body resist various diseases and pathologies.

• promotes normal digestion;
• removes accumulated toxins and toxic substances, promoting weight loss;
• strengthens blood vessels, prevents thrombosis and atherosclerosis;
• reduces cholesterol levels;
• normalizes metabolism;
• increases the body's defenses;
• helps resist depression, improves mood;
• improves the condition of bones and joints;
• normalizes the functioning of the glands of the endocrine system;
• stimulates hematopoietic processes;
• improves kidney function;
• normalizes blood sugar levels;
• improve complexion and skin condition;
• eliminates signs of aging;
• fights varicose veins;
• gives health to nails and hair;
• improves memory;
• eliminates signs of toxicosis in pregnant women;
• promotes normal fetal development during gestation;
• normalizes hormonal balance during menstruation and menopause;
• reduces the risk of breast tumors.

Read more: Retinol - instructions for use, indications, analogues
Such an impressive list makes oatmeal an almost universal product.

In addition to the positive effect that porridge has on both the female and male body, oatmeal has “secret” properties for representatives of the stronger half of humanity.

It’s not for nothing that this cereal received its second name from the name of Hercules, the son of the ancient Greek god Zeus, known for his exploits. He was very strong and resilient, and also attracted women with his masculine grace and beauty.

• builds muscles, increases physical endurance;
• eliminates erection problems;
• enhances potency by accelerating blood flow to the groin area;
• increases sexual desire;
• normalizes the level of the male hormone testosterone;
• prevents prostate cancer;
• improves reproductive function.

Oatmeal in the morning will make a man a real macho, full of strength, health, energy, physical endurance and special attractiveness.

Pediatricians recommend introducing oatmeal into the diet of children starting at one year of age. The rich vitamin composition and complex of microelements fully meet the needs of the child’s body. Buckwheat can only be considered more useful.

• normalizes the child’s weight;
• removes toxins;
• improves intestinal motility;
• reduces the risk of developing asthma;
• stimulates growth and normal development of all systems;
• improves vision;
• strengthens the immune system;
• gives energy for the whole day;
• eliminates signs of allergies;
• promotes the growth of teeth, nails, hair;
• stimulates brain activity, memory and attention, which affects school performance.

oatmeal

The beneficial properties of oatmeal are used in dietary nutrition. Many people who are overweight, using a diet based on this cereal, improve their metabolism, which promotes weight loss.

Is it possible to eat oatmeal every day?

Having read about the benefits of oatmeal, it is difficult to suppress the desire to eat this unique porridge every day. But as you know, you need to know moderation in everything. Abuse of any product, even the most useful one, can cause serious harm to human health. This also applies to oats. When porridge is consumed daily over a long period of time, a gradual accumulation of phytic acid occurs in the body, among the properties of which is the ability to leach calcium from bone tissue. A lack of calcium can cause the development of osteoporosis. To avoid this, it is enough to eat oatmeal no more than 3 times a week.

Harm

Despite the proven benefits of oatmeal, there is an opinion that some types of cereal are harmful. In fact, the harm of instant oats has been greatly exaggerated. Everyone knows the truth: whole grain porridge is healthier than cereal. However, you can cook whole grain oatmeal for an hour and it will still be a little tough. The flakes make the porridge tender, but the principle remains the same: the longer the cereal needs to be thermally processed, the healthier it is. Therefore, Hercules flakes are preferable to Extra.

If you are used to eating oatmeal in the morning, do not forget that this is a low-calorie breakfast dish. Having satisfied your hunger for a short time, the cereal will cause severe hunger within an hour. To avoid discomfort, eat protein foods for breakfast along with oatmeal: cottage cheese, an egg, a piece of fish. Despite all the unique properties of oats, the sometimes recommended oat mono-diet will not benefit your figure or help you look better. Oatmeal is good as part of a balanced diet, this is the only way it will bring maximum benefits.

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Benefits of oatmeal during pregnancy and breastfeeding

As for the use of oatmeal during pregnancy and lactation, dishes made from whole grains have definitely earned the approval of doctors and nutritionists. Thus, phosphorus, calcium and vitamins benefit both mother and child, strengthening bones and the nervous system. Iron prevents anemia, and essential acids improve immunity and help a woman stay in good shape during this important period.

There is still debate about the benefits and harms of oatmeal for pregnant and lactating women. Nevertheless, cereals will not have a harmful effect if you follow moderation in consuming cereals and do not ignore existing contraindications.

Can children have oatmeal?

Oatmeal benefits not only adults, but also children. Phosphorus, present in oatmeal, has a beneficial effect on the strength of bones and the skeleton as a whole, and magnesium maintains the health of muscles and blood vessels, which is very important for a child’s growing body. In addition, sodium stabilizes the functioning of the nervous system and helps overcome apathy and lethargy, and this is especially necessary for schoolchildren: so in the absence of allergic reactions, you can safely give your child oat dishes without fear of causing harm.

In order for oatmeal to bring only benefit and not harm to the child’s body, one should not rush to introduce this grain into the diet from a very early age. Doctors recommend including oats in the baby’s menu after 8 months, when he has already become familiar with the less allergenic buckwheat porridge. For breastfed children, this can be done even later - from 10 months of age. At the same time, it is worth carefully monitoring all changes in the baby’s health condition. If digestive problems and other allergic reactions are observed, a reasonable solution would be to wait until 1 - 2 years until the child’s stomach gets stronger.

Best porridge? Of course, oatmeal!

Doctors, nutritionists, and parents think so. What is good about Hercules oatmeal? Assessing their benefits and harms, it should be noted that they do not undergo steam treatment and retain many nutrients. They need to cook for 15-20 minutes. It is enough to study at least some of the elements that are found in oatmeal, and their health benefits and harms will immediately become clear to everyone. Judge for yourself.

Composition and effect of oatmeal on different organs and systems:

• reduce blood pressure, improve the condition of blood vessels, as they contain potassium;
• improve blood circulation, protect against anemia (due to the presence of iron);
• increase the strength of bones and teeth: this property is associated with the presence of calcium;
• normalize hormonal levels, because they contain vitamin PP;
• activate brain activity (this quality is due to the presence of routine);
• tidy up the intestinal microflora, cleanse the intestines of unnecessary “deposits”, relieve constipation, reduce “bad” cholesterol: this effect is explained by the fact that they contain a lot of dietary fiber;
• support the health of the heart and blood vessels, as they are suppliers of magnesium;
• have a positive effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland because they include iodine;
• slow down aging: this is thanks to vitamin E;
• give the skin a youthful, radiant appearance, increase its elasticity: vitamin B2 contributes to this.

How to cook oatmeal

Since oatmeal is a popular breakfast in many countries, there are countless recipes for making it. But all these variations are based on two basic options for oatmeal: water and milk.

On the water

Oatmeal with water is very easy to prepare, and its benefits are almost immeasurable. In addition, this recipe can be improved by adding fruits, vegetables, seeds and even meat. To make 2 servings of the dish, you need:

1. Add 150 g of oatmeal to 450 ml of boiling water.
2. Season with salt to taste and cook over high heat for 2 - 3 minutes, remembering to stir.
3. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer the porridge for 10 minutes, still stirring.
4. Serve the dish hot.

With milk

Oatmeal with milk is also made in various variations, and its benefits are comparable to those cooked with water. Cooking it is also easy. For this:

1. 2 tbsp. milk at room temperature is combined with 1 tbsp. l. butter.
2. Pour ¾ cup of washed oatmeal into a saucepan with milk.
3. Cook over low heat for 8 - 10 minutes until done.

Oatmeal will gain additional benefits if you mix it with a banana before eating and leave it like that for 5 minutes.

Lazy oatmeal in a jar

Lazy oatmeal combines the benefits of oatmeal with minimal cooking effort:

1. Place 100 g of oatmeal in a 0.5-liter jar and add yogurt.
2. Any berries - fresh or frozen - are washed and allowed to dry. Then they are crushed. Instead of berries, you can add fruit.
3. Place the fruits in a jar, which is then placed in the refrigerator and left overnight.
4. In the morning, remove the jar and allow it to warm slightly at room temperature. Eaten cold.

Advice! Instead of yogurt with filler, you can add natural unsweetened yogurt with a small amount of honey to your oatmeal: this will increase the benefits of the product significantly.

Cooking rules

In order for oatmeal to be beneficial to the body, you need to know how to prepare it. Oatmeal itself is slippery and sticky, which is why many children do not like it. There are several ways to improve the taste of porridge so that even kids will love it. Cooking rules:

1. Oatmeal is cooked in water. You can replace boiling water with hot milk.
2. For cooking, it is always necessary to use 3 times more water than oatmeal, since when boiling, it swells and increases several times in size. For 300 grams of boiling water you need 100 grams of flakes.
3. To make the dish tasty and not disgust children, you can add honey, fruits, and berries to it.
4. You can put a little butter.
5. For those who do not like sweet cereals, you can add a little salt to the cereal.

To make oatmeal as beneficial as possible for the body, it is necessary not to heat treat it. You can steam the cereal with boiling water in a thermos and leave it to steep for two to three hours. When cooked, the flakes are also useful, but they still lose some of the beneficial substances during heat treatment. You can eat raw oatmeal, just soak it in milk or yogurt beforehand. Under no circumstances should you eat dry cereal. This can lead to gastrointestinal problems.

You should not eat porridge at night, and it is better to avoid eating altogether 2-3 hours before bedtime. No one needs extra calories and heaviness in the stomach.

Use for weight loss

Due to the large amount of slow carbohydrates contained in the cereal, the body feels full for 3-4 hours. And most importantly, the energy value of the product is only 100 kcal, if, of course, the porridge was prepared in water.

Benefits of oatmeal while dieting:

• the product can be purchased at any grocery store at an affordable price,
• can be combined with various fruits and nuts, which will help diversify the diet of those losing weight,
• suppresses the desire to eat something sweet,
• does not require much time to prepare the dish,
• makes the skin elastic, which is important when losing weight.

You can add various seasonings (cinnamon, ginger), fruits, berries, honey and seeds to the dish.

During fasting days, eat oatmeal without sugar and salt. With proper organization of such days, you can easily lose 400-750 grams of weight.

Oatmeal recipe for fasting day

You need to take a glass of oatmeal, pour 3 cups of boiling water over it, and cook for 15-20 minutes. Divide the porridge into five parts. During each meal, eat one portion of the prepared dish, and so on every three hours. Be sure to drink water, 2 liters per day.

If you feel very hungry in the evening, you can drink a glass of fermented milk product.

Oatmeal scrub for colon cleansing

Due to the presence of a large amount of fiber, this cereal will help cleanse and normalize intestinal function. Thanks to this, the skin will become tightened, take on a healthy appearance, immunity will noticeably increase and the waist will decrease in size.

Oatmeal scrub recipe:

2-3 tbsp. l. oatmeal, pour 50 ml of cold purified water, add a tablespoon of milk to the mixture. Stir all this and place in the refrigerator. Take the next day in the morning on an empty stomach three hours before meals. This porridge will replace your breakfast.

The course of colon cleansing with this remedy is one month.

Oatmeal porridge for constipation

Constipation cannot be tolerated; it must be dealt with immediately and measures taken to eliminate it, since this unpleasant phenomenon has a detrimental effect on the functioning of the digestive system and can poison the body with harmful substances. Today there are many ways to combat constipation, one of them is oatmeal. Moreover, you can use flakes from the age of seven months. This is an absolutely safe remedy if a person is not allergic to the substance gluten.

Recipe for constipation remedy:

Ingredients:

• Oatmeal - 1/3 cup,
• boiling water - 1 glass,
• sunflower oil (linseed or olive can be used) - 1 tsp,
• dried fruits (prunes) - 3 pieces.

Cooking method:

Pour boiling water over the oatmeal and cook the porridge over low heat. Rinse the prunes thoroughly with water, cut into small pieces and add to the mixture three minutes before they are completely cooked. Fill with unrefined oil. You can add pepper or salt, just a little. Use the product as breakfast.

Other recipes using oatmeal

Instead of the usual porridges, you can prepare many other dishes based on oatmeal that will not only bring health benefits, but also diversify the daily menu with an unusual taste.

We recommend reading: Millet: health benefits and harms, how to cook millet porridge, reviews

Oatmeal soup

Oatmeal soup will be an original and healthy dish. To prepare it, you need:

1. Wash and peel 2 potato tubers, 1 carrot and 1 onion.
2. Finely chop any pre-washed greens and onions.
3. Cut the potatoes into large cubes.
4. Grate the carrots.
5. Bring 1 liter of water or meat broth to a boil, add vegetables and cook for 8 - 10 minutes.
6. Add 100g oat flakes, then cook for another 10 minutes.
7. Serve the finished soup hot, garnished with herbs.

Oatmeal jelly

Many people will enjoy homemade oatmeal jelly. This healthy drink is prepared as follows:

1. Place 250 g of oat flakes in an enamel bowl, add 500 ml of water and leave to swell for 10 - 12 hours.
2. Next, add a small slice of black rye bread and let it sit in the oat mixture for 1 - 2 hours.
3. The bread is taken out, the flakes are filtered through a sieve and sent to cook for 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring regularly so that the mass does not burn.

Oatmeal: benefits and harm to the body, 4 correct cooking recipes

There are many types of oatmeal available in stores. There are three types of oatmeal:

1. Instant cereals, they are the least healthy of all, require minimal cooking time or are simply steamed with boiling water.
2. Hercules is large flakes, cooking time is 10-15 minutes, the composition retains useful substances and microelements.
3. Oatmeal is flattened oat grains, it cooks for 30-40 minutes and is considered one of the healthiest.

Cooking oatmeal does not require any special skills or culinary abilities. Prepare oatmeal with water or milk. The cereal should be added to the boiling liquid and cooked until tender. Cooking time varies depending on the grind, variety and composition of the oatmeal. You can add salt or sugar if desired.

Oatmeal is a good breakfast, but for porridge to be beneficial and not harmful, it should be consumed no more than 3 times a week. Cereals should be selected with a long cooking time, rather than quick cooking. You can use oatmeal not only in porridge, but also in preparing jelly, soups, casseroles, and cookies.

Read more: Pea porridge: health benefits and harms

The oatmeal diet helps you lose weight. Add this product to your daily diet and the results will not keep you waiting long.

Classic porridge is cooked over fire using whole grains. How long to cook the porridge depends on the quality of their processing. The average cooking time is 20-30 minutes.

1. Wash 1 cup of grains, remove debris and husks. Soak the oatmeal in cold boiled water for 30-60 minutes.
2. Pour 2 cups of water or milk over the cereal and place over medium heat.
3. The porridge will begin to boil and foam will appear that needs to be removed.
4. From the moment of boiling, note the time: properly cook oatmeal over medium heat, stirring constantly for 10-15 minutes.
5. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and leave the porridge to “simmer” under the lid for 10 minutes.
6. You can add butter, nuts, dried fruits, sugar or honey to the finished dish.

This is a classic British breakfast. Preparing a dish in English is simple: the English recipe is almost no different from other recipes.

The only difference is the ratio of cereals and liquid: English oatmeal is thicker and for cooking you use not 2, but 1.5 parts of water or milk.

1. Pour 1 glass of cereal with 4 glasses of milk, add salt and sugar to taste.
2. Mix everything, cover with a lid and microwave for 10 minutes at maximum power.

Some ovens already have a function for cooking porridge and all you need to do is press a button.

The use of oatmeal in cosmetology

The beneficial properties of oatmeal have found their application in the beauty industry. This unique grain is often used in the production of hair masks, creams, ointments and rinses, not only at home, but also on an industrial scale.

Face masks

Oatmeal masks have long proven their benefits for the face. Antioxidants in the product return a healthy color to the skin, tighten and rejuvenate it. The flakes act like a peeling, gently removing dead skin and eliminating redness and flaking.

To achieve a whitening effect, you can use the following mask:

1. You need to mix equal parts of chopped oats, lemon juice and pink clay.
2. The components should be combined with a small amount of water and mixed until a creamy mass is obtained.
3. The mixture can then be applied. Keep on your face until completely dry.

Washing with oatmeal

A very simple but effective procedure is washing with oatmeal. It will cleanse the face of blackheads and pimples and tighten the pores, making the skin softer and velvety:

1. Oat flakes are ground in a coffee grinder.
2. A handful of oats processed in this way is moistened with water and the mass is spread over the face with your fingers.
3. Then gently perform massaging movements for 5 - 7 minutes. Afterwards, rinse your face with cool water.

Hair masks

Oatmeal can also be very beneficial for hair. Thanks to nicotinic acid, it protects hair from harmful external factors, takes care of the scalp, and also moisturizes and nourishes hair follicles.

Oats can restore shine and strength to hair if you make a mask according to the recipe:

1. Grind 50 g of cereal in a coffee grinder and mix with warm water.
2. After 30 minutes, add 30 ml of honey and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
3. Distribute the mixture evenly throughout your hair and cover your head with a plastic cap for 20 - 40 minutes.
4. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly.

Oatmeal with kefir will bring a lot of benefits to your hair. Prepare the product as follows:

1. Kefir and oatmeal are mixed in equal parts and allowed to brew for 1 - 2 hours.
2. After this, the composition is immediately applied to the hair for 30 - 40 minutes, after which it is washed off using shampoo.

This procedure will give your hair thickness and fullness, but it can be used no more than 2 times a week.

Boil or steam? With milk or water?

The most delicious will be oatmeal with milk. And their benefits and harms depend on its fat content. The higher it is, the more dangerous this dish is for the figure. But milk will supply calcium.

On a note! To cook delicious oatmeal without losing your thin waist, dilute milk with water.

Oatmeal with water is considered dietary and healthy, and the harm of such porridge is less, because some people’s bodies do not accept dairy products. They perfectly “cleanse” the intestines.

Adherents of a healthy diet and those losing weight prefer oatmeal without cooking. They have more benefits and less harm. These cereals can be prepared in different ways. The laziest way is to pour boiling water over them and just wait 10 minutes. When the flakes swell, that's it - the dish is ready!

What are the benefits of cold cooking oatmeal? Any heat treatment (especially boiling) negatively affects the chemical composition of the product. A good portion of vitamins and important microelements will simply disappear. And in raw cereal they will be fully preserved, which will have a beneficial effect on the body.

The best combination is oatmeal with kefir. The benefits are doubled and the harm from this combination of ingredients is less. Oatmeal contains phytic acid. It promotes the leaching of calcium from the body. And the fermented milk product neutralizes this harmful property.

Is instant oatmeal healthy?

In addition to numerous options for oatmeal and cereal, today you can find a variety of instant cereals in stores that allow you to enjoy a healthy breakfast in just a few minutes of preparation. Often they try to reassure buyers that the benefits of oatmeal steamed with boiling water are not inferior to the properties of regular cereal. However, this is not quite true.

Although such porridge is still considered healthier than any other fast food, it contains a large amount of starch, which is processed in the body into sugar and water. Regular consumption of such a dish can have a harmful effect on the pancreas, as a result of which the risk of developing diabetes mellitus increases. In addition, sugar tends to accumulate as fat, so instant oatmeal is not suitable for people trying to lose extra pounds. From this we can conclude that the product will not replace its whole grain counterpart and is suitable only for an infrequent snack.

Harm of oatmeal and contraindications for consumption

Despite the obvious benefits of oatmeal, it is still not without contraindications and can cause harm to individuals in certain health conditions. Thus, oats are not recommended for consumption by people with individual intolerance to the components of the product.

To avoid harmful effects, patients with diabetes should only eat oatmeal with the permission of a doctor. Oat porridge itself is not harmful to diabetics, but sweeteners and flavorings are often added to it, which can aggravate the disease.

Another harmful property of oatmeal is the same fiber, which, despite all its benefits for healthy people, can cause a lot of discomfort to patients suffering from flatulence.

Those who have celiac disease or other types of gluten intolerance should also pay attention to the possible harm of oatmeal. Although oats as such do not contain gluten, in the seemingly harmless packaging of oat flakes, due to the packaging features, there may be cereals containing gluten. In such cases, products from conscientious manufacturers are marked with the possible presence of other cereals, but you can completely eliminate the risk of “harmful” gluten getting into your diet only by choosing products labeled “gluten free” or by completely refusing to eat oats.

The benefits and harms of oatmeal for health and beauty

Despite the enormous benefits of the described product, if used incorrectly, it can have a negative effect on the human body.

• Oatmeal can cause harm in several cases:
• If a person eats it uncontrollably.
• Cereals are consumed in large quantities.
• The product is included in the daily menu.
• The cereal is consumed dry.

Raw oatmeal contains a substance called phytic acid. During heat treatment it is destroyed. This element is capable of combining with certain minerals, as a result of which they are not absorbed by the body. Therefore, in order for the cereal to bring only benefits, it must be soaked overnight in liquid. This will help significantly reduce phytic acid levels.

Important! Oatmeal should not be consumed uncontrollably. Nutritionists recommend including it in the menu 2-3 times a week, alternating with other cereals.

Eating oatmeal every day will cause your body to lose calcium. If the absorption of calcium and vitamin D is impaired, serious problems with the skeletal system occur. Oatmeal is not healthy for all people.

• It should absolutely not be used by those who have the following problems:
• celiac disease;
• individual intolerance.

Due to the high starch content, the described product should be included with caution in the menu for people diagnosed with diabetes. Since the raw product can irritate the walls of the stomach and intestines, it should be consumed with caution in the presence of gastritis and ulcers. And it is better with such diagnoses to refuse to eat dry cereals altogether, giving preference to boiled mucous porridge.

Grains can cause food allergies in some people. If the person who has consumed it begins to have diarrhea, a rash and redness all over the body, and a general loss of strength, then most likely this is a reaction to the protein contained in oatmeal.

In this case, the product should be immediately removed from the menu and not consumed until the condition improves. How much cereal you can eat per day depends on the age and health of the person. It is recommended that a healthy adult eat no more than one glass of raw cereal.

Important! If you decide to eat oatmeal raw, then it must be consumed with liquid, first pouring it in or washing down the product. Otherwise, heaviness in the abdomen, constipation and other problems with the gastrointestinal tract may appear.

So, oatmeal can be consumed raw. Without heat treatment, it contains more valuable elements. However, you can’t eat it every day and in moderation. Otherwise, the product may provoke the development of various health problems.

7 Nov 2014

Content

Oatmeal lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, protects skin from irritation, reduces constipation and helps you lose weight.

Oatmeal is prepared from oatmeal in water or milk. Whole grains take a long time to cook, so many people eat cereal or instant porridge for breakfast.

Oatmeal is a source of important vitamins, minerals and fiber. It is rich in antioxidants, omega-3 and folic acid. Unlike other grains, oats do not contain gluten.

As a percentage of the daily value:

• Carbohydrates and fiber – 16.8%. Speeds up digestion and improves gut health by feeding beneficial intestinal bacteria.
• Vitamin B1 – 39%. Ensures the normal functioning of the heart, digestive and nervous systems.
• Manganese – 191%. Important for development, growth and metabolism.
• Phosphorus – 41%. Supports bone and tissue health.
• Sodium – 29%. Maintains normal blood pressure.

• The calorie content of one serving of porridge on water is 68 kcal.
• The health benefits of oatmeal include helping you lose weight, lowering blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.

The benefits of oatmeal with milk are great for bones due to the calcium and phosphorus content. The product is recommended for children and elderly people.

1. Oatmeal is rich in polyphenols and fiber, which lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
2. Oats reduce risk factors for heart disease.
3. The introduction of oatmeal into the diet of children under 6 months reduced the risk of developing asthma.

The benefits of oatmeal for digestion are due to its fiber content. They promote a feeling of fullness, increase the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, and relieve constipation.

For a balanced diet, people with diabetes need to eat foods with a low glycemic index. Oatmeal contains B-glucans, which help maintain glycemic control. Porridge lowers blood sugar levels, especially in overweight people with type 2 diabetes. It reduces the need for insulin injections.

Read more: Garlic benefits and harms for the health of the body of women and men

In patients with type 2 diabetes and severe insulin sensitivity, a 4-week oatmeal diet resulted in a 40% reduction in insulin dosage.

Oatmeal contains aventramides, which relieve itching and inflammation. Oat-based products relieve symptoms of eczema.

Oatmeal takes about 3 hours to digest in the body and releases energy during the digestion process. The feeling of fullness remains for 3-4 hours.

This doesn’t happen to everyone: half an hour after a bowl of oatmeal, you feel even more hungry. This effect is explained by A.M. Ugolev. in "The Theory of Adequate Nutrition". The academician described that raw oatmeal contains enzymes necessary for absorption.

But many cereals that are sold in the store have undergone preliminary heat treatment, due to which all the enzymes in them have been destroyed.

Once in the stomach, the porridge is not able to be digested and the body has to spend a lot of energy on its absorption: and this is half of the value of the porridge.

Beans - benefits, types and contraindications

Gluten-free diets result in inadequate intake of fiber, B vitamins, folic acid and minerals. Oatmeal is a source of all these vitamins and minerals.

It boosts immunity and enhances the body's ability to fight bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Oatmeal is an indispensable product for the body of pregnant women. It serves as a source of vitamins and minerals that the expectant mother and her baby need.

Eating oatmeal normalizes digestion, relieves constipation and allows you to maintain normal weight. Oatmeal improves the condition of skin, nails, and hair during pregnancy and reduces anxiety attacks.

Eating oatmeal will reduce your calorie intake and lower your risk of obesity. A healthy breakfast contains nutritious foods that provide energy and make you feel full. The study found that people who ate oatmeal for breakfast felt fuller and ate less at lunch than people who ate cereal for breakfast.

Data were analyzed between oatmeal consumption and physiological parameters in people over 19 years of age. Oatmeal consumers experienced decreased waist circumference and body mass index. The benefits of oatmeal with water for weight loss will appear faster than those cooked with milk.

There is a diet whose main component is oatmeal. The oatmeal diet is a low-calorie diet. It is better to consult a doctor before starting it.

Testing of oat products, including infant oatmeal, found glyphosate. There is a lot of it in fast food products with additives. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has clarified that glyphosate is a carcinogen and causes cancer.

People with diabetes should moderate their oatmeal intake due to its high carbohydrate content. For most people with diabetes, eating oatmeal has no contraindications, unless it is porridge with sugar and flavorings.

Oatmeal may have negative effects for those with gastroparesis. Bloating may occur due to the high fiber content. Drinking water with meals can reduce flatulence.

Pure oats contain a protein called avenin, which is similar to gluten. Most people who are sensitive to gluten do not react to it. It may cause a reaction in a small percentage of people with celiac disease.

When Soviet scientists studied oat flakes, they had a high-quality, environmentally friendly product without impurities or foreign particles. In December 2016, the consumer union Roskontrol learned that unscrupulous manufacturers also include other components in the chemical composition of oatmeal:

• metal particles;
• mold;
• pesticides;
• organic impurity: parts of other plants, grain films.

Ingredients can get into the flakes if grain processing rules, production technologies and product storage rules are violated.

In addition to inorganic elements, the package may contain “living” creatures that got into the cereal in the store.

If the supermarket warehouse is unsanitary and storage requirements are not met, then meal moths, mites and weevils will nestle comfortably in a pack of oatmeal.

Buckwheat with kefir - composition, benefits and harm

Instant oatmeal contains processed grains. This oatmeal is made from thin oats, which absorb water more easily, so they cook faster. Often, packages with such porridge contain sugars, sweeteners or flavorings. Quick oatmeal contains less soluble fiber.

New research shows that a cup of quick oatmeal for breakfast fills you up and helps manage hunger better than the same amount of whole grain porridge. Frank Greenaway and his colleagues at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center tested 3 different oat-based breakfasts. “We found that quick oatmeal was a better appetite suppressant than whole grains.”

Read labels carefully. Choose whole grain cereals, which contain more soluble fiber, which regulates blood sugar and improves digestion. When purchasing pre-mixed cereal, choose one with cinnamon, which is full of antioxidants, or one with berries as a natural sweetener.

Choose gluten-free oatmeal with less than 20 mg/kg gluten. These oats are pure and uncontaminated.

Many instant cereals and infant formulas may contain glyphosate, a carcinogen, so choose trusted brands.

Oatmeal is best eaten hot. Prepare it immediately before eating and do not store it in the refrigerator.

• Oatmeal is harmful to consume in large quantities, optimal consumption is 3 times a week. You should not do this, in order to avoid problems that may arise:
• Oatmeal is a high-calorie product, and frequent consumption of it contributes to excess weight gain.
• There is a danger of developing the disease “ciliation”. When it appears, the intestinal villi stop working and nutrients stop being absorbed.
• Porridge with milk should not be consumed by people with lactose intolerance.
• You should not prepare oatmeal as complementary food for children under 1 year old, as this can negatively affect the baby’s health.
• An allergy to gluten may occur; in addition, it forms villi on the intestinal walls, thereby impairing digestion. Protein should not be consumed by people with individual intolerance and gastrointestinal problems.
• Shredded instant cereal is especially harmful. They have a reduced amount of fiber and a high starch content. It is processed and forms sugar, which helps increase blood glucose. With frequent consumption of such porridge, a rapid release of calories and the formation of fatty layers occurs.
• The presence of phytic acid in the composition, which leaches calcium from bone tissue. Due to this, bone and muscle tissue cannot form normally, and osteoporosis occurs.
• This porridge is also contraindicated in case of severe kidney problems. People with kidney disease are prescribed a protein-free diet, and oatmeal is rich in proteins, and therefore its consumption can have serious consequences.

How to select and store oatmeal

To ensure that oatmeal brings only health benefits and potential harm is minimized, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the recommendations for choosing a quality product.

1. When purchasing cereals or cereals, you need to pay attention to the packaging. It must be sealed and solid - this will eliminate the risk of harmful bacteria getting into the product.
2. You should give preference to porridge made from whole oats, since it has more benefits than its instant counterparts.
3. Oatmeal without sugar or impurities contains the most beneficial properties. You can also opt for a product that contains cinnamon, dried fruits, or natural berry-based sweeteners.

Oatmeal or flakes are usually stored in a closed container at room temperature in a shaded, dry place with good ventilation. The shelf life should not exceed that indicated on the packaging. If the product begins to change color and texture, acquires an unusual odor, or has moths in it, you should throw it away immediately, as it will do nothing but harm.