There's nothing wrong with microwaving porridge, especially if you are in a rush in the morning. Instant porridge is fine if you stay away from flavoured or sweetened versions. Even healthy-sounding flavours such as apple and blueberry generally contain added sugars.
They're a source of fibre and contain beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol reabsorption^. ^A 34g sachet of oats provides a minimum of 1 g beta-glucan. Oats can help lower cholesterol reabsorption as part of a diet low in saturated fat.
Answer: Quaker Oats are 100% wholegrain and are a good source of fibre. Question: Does porridge help to lower cholesterol? Answer: Each serving of porridge (27g) contains 33% of the 3g of oat beta glucan suggested per day to help lower cholesterol, as part of a varied and balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle.
Overall, quick-cooking rolled oats and instant rolled oats really don't make a difference when it comes to taste and nutrition. Their chewy texture is slightly smaller and thinner than rolled oats, but they still can be used the same way and don't lose any of their benefits.
The Bottom Line
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.
Are instant oats still a healthy breakfast option? A: Absolutely! As I said, the benefits really don't differ between the three types of oats. Also, we know that there are health benefits to eating breakfast, especially when it comes to diet quality and weight management.
Though oatmeal is said to help you lose weight, having too much of it can lead to malnutrition and muscle mass shedding. This is because oatmeal is rich in fibre, which keeps you full for longer, so your body loses the ability to signal you to eat more throughout the day.
You can have oatmeal three times a day as it is considered a healthy whole grain food. Add nutritious toppings for a well rounded meal, and the oatmeal diet is very much helpful to stay fuller and lose weight.
With so many types of oats, how do you know which to choose? Honestly, not, all oats are healthy. But if you want to get technical, Oat Groats remain the healthiest because they're the purest form of the whole oat you can eat. They're the least processed and contain the most nutrition.
You simply add boiling water stir, and eat up. Breakfast on the go also doesn't have to take up room in your bag - just pocket a Oat So Simple Cuppa sachet for later or a Quaker Porridge to Go Breakfast Square which can be eaten hot or cold.
Surprisingly, oatmeal is a type of porridge. Though all oatmeal is considered porridge, the term porridge does not always refer to oatmeal. Still, the two words are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Unlike porridge, oatmeal is always made from rolled, ground, or flattened oats.
Bob's Red Mill states that instant oats are usually pre-cooked. While quick oats can be cooked on the stove or in the microwave for three to five minutes, instant oats can be prepared in the microwave in under two minutes or by adding hot water to a pre-packaged mix.
Oats contain a type of fiber called beta-glucan, which may reduce blood cholesterol levels, a marker of heart disease that is associated with high blood pressure. Beta-glucan may also lower blood pressure, according to some research.
Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount.
Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect.
It can help you control your blood sugar
"It helps to slow down the speed at which the carbohydrates in your diet reach your bloodstream, making your blood sugar levels more even during the day. Oatmeal really is a superfood, and one that definitely can be eaten every day!"
The amount of porridge you eat has an impact on blood sugar levels. Opt for smaller portion sizes and focus on adding fat, fibre and protein for satiety. Be careful with sweeteners. Oats on their own are enough to spike your blood sugar, so adding honey, sugar or golden syrup will only make the spike even worse.
Oatmeal is a great breakfast choice if you have high blood pressure, but oat bran can provide even more health benefits, since it's higher in fiber, which can help to lower blood pressure and improve digestive health. Oatmeal also contains soluble fiber, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels.
Also referred to as quick oats, instant oats are the most processed of the three oat varieties. They are pre-cooked, dried, and then rolled and pressed slightly thinner than rolled oats. They cook more quickly than steel-cut or rolled oats, but retain less of their texture, and often cook up mushy.
Oats contain a type of soluble fiber, called beta glucan, which lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels, thus reducing risk of heart disease and diabetes. Beta glucan also promotes healthy gut bacteria and intestinal health.
Oatmeal's long-time compadre is a no-go if you're trying to clean up your diet. Brown sugar adds zero nutritional value—just lots of empty calories that will ratchet up your blood sugar. If you need to add a sweetener besides fresh fruit, opt for a natural one like maple syrup or honey.