OATMEAL: It's Good, and So Good For Us!

It has been scientifically proven that a fiber-rich diet helps lower cholesterol. It has also been confirmed that high fiber diets also help in cases of diabetes, obesity and cancer. Oats are highly nutritious and filled with cholesterol fighting soluble fiber. And unlike other grains, oats do not lose their nutrients, even after being hulled and processed. Here are the amazing benefits of oatmeal--a convincing argument to indulge, especially for breakfast:

Oats for Breakfast Provide an Excellent Source of Fiber

Few Americans get the recommended 25 grams of fiber per day, but with a bowl of hot oatmeal in the morning, the day's off to a great start. A single serving of oats provides almost twenty percent of the daily fiber requirement. Plus, oatmeal is a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, while insoluble fiber keeps the digestive tract working properly.

Oats Are a Source of Antioxidants

Antioxidant is the nutritional buzz word and oatmeal has its share. Oats are a source of a unique group of antioxidants known as avenanthramides which help to prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol oxidation can lead to plaque formation in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. The avenanthramides in oatmeal help to prevent this unfortunate sequence of events. No wonder oats are so heart healthy!

Oats for Breakfast May Boost Immunity

Oatmeal is a source of beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide found in whole grains and mushrooms. Beta-glucans have shown the ability to reduce the risk of infection after surgical procedures as well as fight off disease causing bacteria and viruses. This makes oatmeal the perfect food to have on the table during flu season. Beta-glucans are also thought to have anti-cancer properties.

Oatmeal is Filling and Satisfying

The high fiber content of oatmeal makes it a satisfying and filling breakfast choice. The beta-glucans found in oatmeal also help to stabilize blood sugar level and insulin levels.

All this said, you've likely shopped for oatmeal. How often have you been intrigued by this gorgeous can on the market shelf? But, perhaps when you read that McCann's Irish Oatmeal has to cook for 30 minutes, you passed. Here's a recipe to change your mind. Put the oatmeal on to cook and then go dress, pausing to stir occasionally. It's worth it!

ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL (serves 4)
4 C water
1/4 tsp salt
1 C steel-cut oats (McCann's Irish Oatmeal is a good one)
1/4 C packed brown sugar
2 tsp grated orange peel
Topping:
sour cream, or warm half 'n half, or light cream (or a combination of all three--what the heck!)

In medium saucepan, bring water and salt to boiling; gradually stir in oats. Reduce heat; cook and stir about 5 min. or till mixture starts to thicken. Cover and cook over low heat for 30 min., stirring occasionally. Spoon hot oatmeal into four individual custard cups. Sprinkle with brown sugar and orange peel. Place in shallow baking pan. Bake at 500 degrees for 2-3 min., just till sugar begins to melt. Top and enjoy!

Now do you have an oatmeal recipe you think we ought to have? Please share--we're all in this together, remember. So let's spread the good stuff, and until next time, happy cook'n!