If you often have a hard time picking out a healthy breakfast choice and need an option that can be quickly prepared, and eaten on the go, oatmeal might be a perfect choice for you. Those that eat oatmeal regularly strongly stand by it, claiming that it does wonderful things for their body. This is no surprise because oatmeal contains fiber and antioxidants that have been found to be extremely beneficial for our body. The antioxidant value in oatmeal comes from a plant compound called avenanthramide that is found in oats. Antioxidants prevent the body from attacking good cholesterol (HDL). In addition, this compound in oats has been found to protect the body from coronary heart disease, colon cancer and even skin irritation.
The fibers in oatmeal reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and amp up the body’s immune system by helping our body to attack bacterial infections. Fiber should be an essential part of everyone’s diet because of the important role it plays. Fiber can help lower blood sugar levels, which is important for anyone who suffers from diabetes, as well as helping us achieve a healthy body weight. To read more about the benefits of fiber, and find out how much you need in your diet CLICK HERE.
You can make your daily bowl of oatmeal even healthier by adding one or two tasty toppings. Although there are many options, two of the best choices to throw on top your oatmeal would be raisins and almonds.
Raisins
Raisins contain another plant compound known as resveratol. Just like avenanthramide, resveratol also has antioxidant properties. Resveratol has been found to have so many health benefits that manufactures have made it into a supplement. Some of these benefits include preventing the oxidation of bad cholesterol (stopping platelets from sticking together), protecting nerve cells from damage, and stopping insulin resistance (which is often an early sign of diabetes).
Almonds
Almonds are one of the best nuts you could choose from. They are high in Vitamin E and offer protection against diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Like oatmeal, almonds lower bad cholesterol and keep your vascular system health. Â Eating nuts, and especially almonds, helps prevent you from gaining excess weight.
If you want to keep your body health and avoid health risks such as diabetes, excess weight gain and heart disease, why not try oatmeal with a few toppings? It is cheap and fast to prepare. Who knows, you might really enjoy it.
To find out more how you can improve your health and stay fit, visit Dr. Abroon’s website by clicking HERE.