You’ve probably heard that oatmeal is healthy. You may even know that it’s a good source of fiber and minerals, but did you know that it can also help you lose weight? Here’s the skinny on this surprising food.
The Glycemic Index Of Oatmeal
If you’re not familiar with the glycemic index (GI), it’s a measure of how quickly and how much a food affects your blood sugar (glucose) levels. Low-GI foods, like oatmeal, weigh in at a low glycemic score (below 55) and can help you maintain stable blood sugar levels. High-GI foods, like pasta and potatoes, score above 70 and can cause blood sugar levels to spike, sending you a wave of cravings after you eat. When your blood sugar level is spiked after eating, you’re more likely to reach for something sweet or starchy to satisfy that craving. This can increase your overall calorie intake and stress your body, leading to weight gain. It can also make you much more vulnerable to diabetes and heart disease.
As a general rule, the lower the glycemic index (GI) of the food, the healthier it tends to be. You’ll often see foods with a low glycemic index labeled as ‘healthy’ or ‘good’ on food labels. Keep this in mind as you browse through the aisles of your local grocery store.
How Does Oatmeal Help With Weight Loss?
It’s well-documented that oatmeal reduces cholesterol, so it’s no wonder that it has been shown to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure in clinical trials. One study from Australia found that participants who ate oatmeal three times a week lost more weight than those who only ate the grain once or twice a week. What’s more, those who ate the oatmeal with milk and cinnamon as part of their daily diet gained more weight than those who didn’t eat milk with their oatmeal. This could be because milk promotes digestion, and therefore helps eliminate toxins that have built up in your body over the years. These toxins, including excess fat, can cause illness and even weight gain.
There’s also evidence that oats can help you lose weight by boosting your body’s production of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a hormone that stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas. The insulin that’s released in response to GLP-1 encourages your body to absorb nutrients and use them for energy. This could explain why some people who eat oatmeal for weight loss can also experience a reduction in their body’s cholesterol and blood pressure. In addition to helping with weight loss, oats have also been shown to:
- Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Help treat adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Improve your body’s antioxidant levels
- Help lower cholesterol and blood pressure
- Promote gastrointestinal health
- Decrease your risk of heart disease
- Initiate healthy eating habits
- Naturally boost your mood
- and more…
Oatmeal’s Health Benefits
The health benefits of eating oatmeal are seemingly endless. It can help improve the following:
- Mood
- Eating habits
- Blood sugar levels
- Cholesterol levels
- Infectious diseases
- And more…
Oatmeal is one of the most versatile and widely-used food items around the world. It can be prepared in many different ways, and there’s a wide variety of foods available to compliment it. If you’re looking for a cheap, healthy, and filling food option, look no further.