While steel-cut oats and rolled oats are generally viewed as some of the most nutritious oats, instant oatmeal is more divisive. While instant oats are the saving grace of a hectic, time-crunched morning, they’re also more processed.
Because oat groats are minimally processed, they contain the most nutritional value compared to other oat varieties. “The least processed oats will take the longest to be digested,” says Gentile. “This equates to a slower rise in blood sugar and a lower glycemic index. The next healthiest form of oats is steel-cut .
What kind of oats should I buy?
Ultimately, the type of oat you choose is completely up to you. If you prefer a sweet, nutty taste and chewy consistency, try steel-cut oats. If you like your oatmeal creamy and smooth, then instant oats are your game. And if time is a factor, instant oats make a perfectly suitable healthy breakfast or quick energizing snack.
A query we ran across in our research was “Are rolled oats good for You?”.
“Rolled oats provide a great source of protein ( 6 grams per 1/3 cup) and a lot of soluble fiber, which is good for digestive regularity (4 grams per 1/3 cup),” says Hamshaw. For more healthy eating news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
While writing we ran into the query “Are quick cooking oats better for You?”.
Don’t worry though, rolled oats are still a good option too. Quick cooking oats are often much more convenient, and they are just a bit lower on the glycemic index, but again are significantly better than instant oatmeal or other cereals. What are the cooking times?
What is the best type of oats to use for oatmeal?
Regular rolled oats or jumbo oats are best. These type of oats have been steamed and rolled from the oat ‘groat’. Rolled oats soak up the milky liquids overnight and become creamy without turning mushy.
For this reason, most people prefer rolled, crushed or steel-cut oats. Instant (quick) oats are the most highly processed variety. While they take the shortest time to cook, the texture may be mushy. Oats are commonly eaten for breakfast as oatmeal, which is made by boiling oats in water or milk.
From steel-cut oats to old-fashioned rolled oats to whole oat groats, there’s a plethora of oats to choose from on grocery store shelves. The ultimate question is, which one is the most nutritious?
When buying oatmeal, always check the ingredient list . No matter the type, there should only be one ingredient listed—whole-grain oats. Be wary of flavored instant oatmeal, as it can pack added sugars, extra sodium, and artificial ingredients.
What are the health benefits of oats?
Oats are brimming with dietary fiber, containing more than any other grain, and bring a whole host of cholesterol lowering properties. Oats contain manganese, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. Additionally, oats are rich in Vitamin E . So how exactly to they contribute to our health?
What are the health benefits of oatmeal?
A daily serving of oats has been said to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure) and thus reduce the need for medication . Bowel function Oats have a high fiber content, both soluble and insoluble, necessary for keeping bowel movements regular., and weight control.
Is oatmeal a whole grains?
It’s no secret that oatmeal is part of a healthy and balanced diet. However, of all the healthy whole grains out there, oatmeal seems to be one of the most complex. From steel-cut oats to old-fashioned rolled oats to whole oat groats, there’s a plethora of oats to choose from on grocery store shelves.
A common query we ran across in our research was “Is oatmeal a good source of fiber?”.
Oats Are Incredibly Nutritious The nutrient composition of oats is well-balanced. They are a good source of carbs and fiber, including the powerful fiber beta-glucan ( 1, 2, 3 ). They also contain more protein and fat than most grains ( 4 ).