Photo: Alex Green

What happens when you eat oatmeal every morning?

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

eatingwell.com - What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Oatmeal Every Day

What is the deadliest man made chemical?

Novichok is a sophisticated nerve agent (nerve agents are a type of chemical weapon first developed by Nazi Germany) which comes from organic...

Last updated Jun 22, 2022

What are the symptoms of toxins in your body?

Some signs that your body has a toxin buildup include: Brain fog. Hair loss. Fatigue. Brittle toenails. Bad breath. Nausea. Weight gain.

Last updated Mar 24, 2020

Purple mojito “devours” 57lbs of flab?

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

It's a good thing medical experts recommend oatmeal as a healthy breakfast—there's so much you can do with a container of oats. You can enjoy them warm, soak them overnight, bake them into bars or muffins, or even blend them into a waffle batter. Yet besides such delicious versatility, why exactly do health experts recommend oatmeal as a go-to morning meal? How does a simple bowl of oats affect your long-term health? Here's what the science says about consuming oatmeal on a regular basis.

You May Feel Fuller for Longer

Oats are a great source of fiber, a carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. Because fiber slows down digestion, you won't feel as hungry for a longer period, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eating fiber-rich foods helps avoid spikes and dips in your blood sugar levels while reducing feelings of hunger. "Having oats for breakfast or incorporated into different foods as meals and snacks is a great way to give the meal more staying power and help you feel fuller for longer," says Maggie Michalczyk, RDN. According to the USDA's FoodData Central, 1 cup of cooked oatmeal contains 4 grams of fiber, which is 16% of the recommended daily value.

You'll Have an Easier Time in the Bathroom

"Oats contain a special type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan," says Michalczyk. "Beta-glucan forms a gel-like consistency in the gut and helps to keep things moving in your digestive tract and keep you regular." This helps with bulking up your stool, making it easier for your bowel movement later. Plus, pairing your oatmeal with sources of insoluble fiber—like unpeeled sliced apples, nuts or blackberries—can also help keep things moving in your digestive tract and make things easier in the bathroom later.

Your Risk of Heart Disease Will Decrease

Starting your morning with a bowl of oats can benefit your heart health in more ways than one. Because of the fiber content, oatmeal can help lower your "bad" LDL cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar levels and even lower high blood pressure—all of which play a significant role in minimizing risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Your Gut Bacteria Will Thrive

Oatmeal is also a prebiotic food, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Maintaining healthy gut bacteria—also known as your gut microbiome—will benefit your body's immune system, improve your mood and digestion, and help to ward off diseases. A 2021 systematic review published in the Journal of Nutrition found a link between oat consumption and increasing beneficial bacterial groups within one's gut, making it a gut-friendly and heart-healthy breakfast. "Incorporating a wide variety of plant foods like oats is also beneficial for gut diversity, which is another important aspect of gut health," says Michalczyk.

You'll Manage Your Weight Easier

Along with these positive benefits, research shows this popular breakfast can even support weight-loss and weight-management efforts. According to a 2021 review published in Foods, oat beta-glucan has positive effects on hyperglycemia, lowering blood lipid levels and reducing weight. "The fiber content of oatmeal is filling and satiating, which in turn can help with eating fewer calories throughout the day and managing your weight," says Michalczyk. "Beta-glucan may also promote the release of peptide YY, a hormone produced in the gut that helps with satiety."

The Bottom Line

What can I drink instead of coffee to wake up?

9 energizing drinks that will wake you up better than coffee Chai tea. Credit: Reviewed / Danielle DeSiato. ... Green tea. Credit: Reviewed /...

Last updated Jun 24, 2018

What depletes vitamin D?

You can become deficient in vitamin D for different reasons: You don't get enough vitamin D in your diet. You don't absorb enough vitamin D from...

Last updated Mar 22, 2019

Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is the best juice to drink to stay hydrated?

Fruit or Veggie Juice Juices made from fruits or vegetables have a water content of 85 percent plus. Vegetable juice is even healthier than fruit because it contains less sugar. Some of the best juices to drink are orange, lemon, tart cherry, and beet. Just make sure that you choose 100 percent juice.

goodnet.org - 5 Most Hydrating Drinks Besides Water - Goodnet.org

It’s that time of year when staying hydrated is essential especially if you live an active lifestyle. Exercising, spending time at the beach, even gardening outside can make you sweat in the summer heat. So it’s time to up your intake of fluids. Don’t like water? No problem! There are plenty of hydrating beverages out there to drink instead. In fact, some do a better job at keeping you hydrated for longer than by just drinking plain water. A study from St. Andrews University in Scotland found that drinking beverages that have some sugar, fat, or protein keeps you feeling refreshed longer. So the next time you plan on spending time outdoors, try one of these five super hydrating drinks that can help you beat the summer heat.

Is peeing once at night normal?

People without nocturia can usually make it through a full night—six to eight hours of sleep—without having to use the bathroom. If you have to get...

Last updated Sep 9, 2020