Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge.
Metric per metric, rolled oats and steel cut oats are almost the same when it comes to nutritional value. However, steel cut oats beat out rolled oats in two areas, fiber content and density, which make steel cut oats the best bang for your nutritional buck.
"It's a common misconception that one type of oat is healthier than another," said Rizzo. "They are all actually identical in terms of their nutrition. The difference is how they are rolled and cut." However, Price added that since instant oats are the most processed option, they generally have salt and added sugars.
Both rolled oats and quick oats are versatile, affordable and highly nutritious sources of whole grains. Rolled oats tend to be slightly higher in nutrients like fibre and protein, and have a slightly lower glycemic index compared to quick oats. This is due to the higher amounts of processing that quick oats undergo.
If you're trying to shed pounds, Davidson recommends opting for rolled or steel cut oats, which she says "are less processed, higher in fiber, and lower in sugar" than other kinds of oatmeal, like instant brands.
In fact, in the USDA nutrient database, instant oatmeal possesses the same nutritional profile as regular or quick-cooking oatmeal. The only difference lies in the glycemic index, which is a measurement of how quickly a food increases your blood sugar within a two-hour period.
Soaking in warm, acidic or cultured water not only gets rid of this mineral-blocking substance, but it also releases all of the vitamins in oats, and encourages more healthy digestion by partially breaking down some of the proteins (like gluten).
The intensity of heat while cooking is the contributing factor, lower the heat better the nutrient availability. When you soak the oats overnight, it's almost like you're cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it's done without heat. Hence, it is more nutrient rich than cooked version.
Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.
Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect. As a breakfast food and mid-meal snack, oatmeal is potentially a better option than the majority of foods available in the market.
Another thing is the fact that as opposed to the cooked oatmeals since overnight oatmeals are not boiled they retain more nutrients. Overnight oatmeals also incorporate raw oats unlike cooked oatmeals, which use instant oats and therefore making it relatively more nutritious.
There aren't any major differences in the nutrition benefits of the three types of oats. All forms of oats are 100% whole grain, a good source of fiber and have the same nutritional information – same calories, fiber and protein per serving.
Whole-grain oats: Best bet for lowering cholesterol.
Steel-cut oats have several amazing health benefits. They boost heart health by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, help with diabetes management and blood sugar control, keep you feeling full for longer, and can prevent or relieve constipation.
One cup of oats contains a little over 8 grams of fiber. "If you have a sensitive stomach, the fiber in the oatmeal may cause you to experience bloating and gas," says Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
You can eat it grain-bowl style and top it with fresh chopped veggies and hard-boiled eggs, or you can turn it into something soupier like congee, a kind of porridge common in East Asia. Or, you can simply take a plain bowl of oats and doctor it up just before you dig in.
So, instead of cooking oatmeal on the stovetop or in the microwave, you soak the raw oats with milk. That soaking process allows the oats to absorb the liquid and soften them enough to eat uncooked. You only need to let the oats soak and rest in the fridge for 2 hours.
Typically, overnight oats are eaten cold, which is perfect for the hotter months. Overnight oatmeal is no-cook and doesn't need to be heated, but you may find yourself wanting a warm breakfast instead. It makes it super convenient to heat overnight oats to avoid being rushed in the mornings.
It makes sense that if you're soaking oats to rid them of phytic acid, you would need to discard the soaking water; however, this process is enzymatic. That means the phytic acid is deactivated (to some degree) and you do not need to discard the soaking water.
Yes, you can soak oats in water overnight instead of milk. Soaking oats for a longer period of time makes them more easily digestible as well as taste better. To still achieve a creamy consistency even without milk, we make overnight oats with water and yogurt as well as chia seeds.
3. To Cook, Just Add Boiling Water. To turn your instant oatmeal mix into breakfast, put 1/2 cup of the mix into a bowl, then pour 3/4 cup of boiling water over it, give it a stir, and let it sit for 2 minutes. Then top with butter, milk, sweeteners, and/or fresh fruit as you like.
Like traditional oatmeal, instant is a whole-grain, high-fiber, nutritious food, according to The American Heart Association. With flavored products, though, watch the sodium and sugar levels—aim for less than 250 mg sodium and 12 g sugar per serving.
Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. They're a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits. These include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease.
For this reason, steel cut oats may be the best choice for those looking for better control of their blood sugar. Steel cuts oats are slightly higher in fiber than rolled and quick oats. They also have the lowest glycemic index of the three types of oats, potentially making them the best choice for blood sugar control.