Negros Oriental - Oatmeal is generally consumed as breakfast meal which consists of oats and milk or water. Oats are one of the healthiest whole-grain foods one can consume. It is considered the healthiest since it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber-soluble food.

Here are the proven and evidence-based benefits of eating oats and oatmeal:

• Highly Nutritious – packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, and the B-vitamins,
• High in antioxidants, especially the avenanthramides that helps lower blood pressure levels,
• Helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels, increases feeling of fullness and healthy bacteria in the digestive tract due to the beta-glucan – a soluble fiber found in oats,
• Finely ground oats aid with skin care and may help relieve symptoms of different skin conditions, including eczema,
• Helps relieve constipation because of the oat bran – the fiber rich outer layer of the grain,
• Contribute to weight loss because it makes you feel full for a longer time, thus reducing food intake.

Oats and oatmeal provide delightful and easy-to-prepare meals. Currently, overnight oats are popular for its simplicity and deliciousness. A 5-ingredient oatmeal recipe (oats, milk/water, fresh/dried fruits, nuts/grains, cinnamon) placed in the fridge overnight, and it already produces highly nutritious and flavorful meal. Great things about oat meals are easy to prepare, meals can be on-the-go and you can customize flavors the way you want. // ND II Lyneth Anne A. Amahit, RND