How healthy is porridge? Oats, which are used to make this popular breakfast food, are naturally rich in fiber and low in fat, making them an excellent choice as part of your diet. In addition to helping you feel full longer and offering plenty of other health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and boosting heart health, eating oats can even reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes! Here are seven reasons to start eating porridge.

1) Fiber content
Among all cereal grains, oats are among those richest in dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is one of two key components that help regulate digestion and keep bowels healthy. Some research even suggests that a diet rich in whole grains, like oatmeal, may reduce a person's risk for developing certain chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. By making porridge a part of your diet on a regular basis you can benefit from its many nutritional properties.

2) Low in saturated fat
Oats are an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels. Research has shown that eating soluble fiber-rich foods can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for heart disease. Unlike other grains, oats contain no gluten; in fact, oats are naturally gluten-free. Oats are also low in saturated fat (compared to animal products) and contain virtually no trans fats. Saturated fat intake should be limited to 5 to 6 percent of your daily calories-that's about 20 grams a day for a 2,000-calorie diet. And trans fats should be avoided altogether-and they're not found in oats!

3) Source of vitamin B1, riboflavin
Porridge is full of nutrients and minerals that can benefit your health. For example, a bowl of porridge is loaded with vitamin B1 and riboflavin, which are essential for normal brain function. A diet rich in vitamin B1 will help reduce tiredness and improve alertness. It's also important for cell metabolism, so it's especially useful for keeping your skin looking healthy and youthful. Vitamin B1 has other health benefits as well; it helps boost energy levels and lower blood sugar levels after meals. Add extra honey to your porridge to sweeten it up or enjoy with fresh fruit!

4) Heart healthy
To prevent heart disease, it's important to eat a diet rich in complex carbohydrates and low in saturated fat. Eating oats regularly can help your ticker stay healthy by lowering bad LDL cholesterol and raising good HDL cholesterol.

This nutrient-rich food may also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease by strengthening teeth and gums. The protein found in oats is also vital for muscle health, as well as mental health; research shows that individuals with higher levels of protein tend to have better moods than those who consume less.

5) Source of manganese
Manganese is a trace mineral that's found in soil, plants and water. It's an essential nutrient for humans, so we need to get it from our diet or dietary supplements. Manganese contributes to bone health, immune function and blood sugar regulation, as well as helping your body produce collagen and metabolize cholesterol. In addition, it supports neurological function and regulates your body's antioxidant activity. According to Metabolic Pathways, several studies have also linked manganese with heart health benefits. For example, one study published in 2000 in The Journal of Nutrition found that men who had lower levels of manganese in their blood were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with higher levels.

6) Soluble fiber helps control blood sugar levels
Studies have shown that soluble fiber in oatmeal can help control blood sugar levels and reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes. Eating a high-fiber diet can also improve gut health, which may lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease. It's also been found to help stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion, preventing big spikes in insulin production after eating. Also, oatmeal is a good source of riboflavin (vitamin B2), which your body uses to convert food into energy.




7) Vitamin E, zinc, folate and magnesium
Even if you're not deficient in these nutrients , they can offer added health benefits. For example, Zinc can help wounds heal and a folate deficiency is linked to anemia. Studies have also shown that vitamin E may help reduce artery stiffness and magnesium may improve symptoms of anxiety or depression. All porridges are enriched with these nutrients but steel-cut oats are especially high in them.

Summary
Porridge is a traditional breakfast option-typically served with milk and sugar. But oats aren't just for breakfast anymore! Adding porridge to your diet is an easy way to boost your fibre intake and help keep your digestion in check. This can help you stay satisfied for longer, which can reduce snacking throughout the day. And since oats contain beta-glucan, which has been shown to increase satiety, they're one of our top strategies for weight loss.

If you're interested in learning more about healthy eating and how to build healthy meals, be sure to check out the Nutrition2change Guide To Healthy Eating .








Hey! My name is Paula and I am the founder of Nutrition2change. I love sharing my knowledge and expertise by writing articles and creating online courses. Be sure to check out my recent post on the health benefits of apple cider vinegar G7 Plus Green Gummies Erfahrungsberichte . These ACV gummies have a lot of health benefits in stock!