Eating any oatmeal is good for your health, as long as you consume the right type. Currently the USDA recommends that adults should consume 6 to 8 ounces of grains daily.
Grains such as oats provide B vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. One of the most important benefits to eating oats is the water-soluble fiber that it contains as this type of fiber can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber also extends the time it takes the carbohydrate in a food to reach your bloodstream, referred to as the glycemic index of the food.
Oats come in many different forms. Instant oatmeal has 3 grams of fiber per serving, with 1 gram water-soluble. Of course depending on the brand and type of oats you may find some slight differences in these amounts.
When choosing instant oatmeal, it is important to choose the right type. Instant oatmeal is often processed with salt, sugar, flavorings, and colorings. Check the ingredient list and Nutrition Facts label.
Choose an instant oatmeal with at least 3 grams of fiber. Fiber helps you stay full longer, which can help with your weight control efforts, and also keep your stomach satisfied until lunchtime.
Oats naturally have about 3 grams of fat per serving, so any more than that is added fat. Make sure there is no trans fat or hydrogenated oil in the instant oatmeal. Instant oatmeal can also be highly sweetened, so look for those with little or no added sugar as this adds some empty calories to your diet.
If you want additional calories, add nutritious choices such as raisins, or other dried fruit, or healthy sources of fat such as almonds and walnuts. Adding dairy milk or soy milk to your oatmeal adds protein as well.
*source unknown
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment