National Oatmeal Day is celebrated annually on October 29th predominantly in the US, recognising oatmeal as a nutritious and versatile food that has been a staple in diets for centuries. Oatmeal has long been appreciated for its health benefits, including being a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and for its role in lowering cholesterol levels.
The day encourages people to enjoy oatmeal in various forms, whether as a hot breakfast porridge, baked goods, or in snack bars. The history of National Oatmeal Day is not officially documented, but it has gained popularity over the years as part of a broader movement towards healthier eating and an emphasis on the benefits of whole grains like oats.
For GF Oats customers, this day highlights the importance of uncontaminated oats for people with specific dietary needs, as the brand offers oats free from gluten contamination—a fact particularly crucial in regions like Australia where oats cannot be labeled as gluten-free due to local regulations.
Celebrating National Oatmeal Day offers a fun opportunity to explore the diverse ways oats can be incorporated into meals while promoting their health benefits.
What are other oatmeal health benefits?
Oatmeal offers a wide array of health benefits, making it a highly recommended food for a balanced diet. Here are some of its key health benefits:
-
Rich in Nutrients: Oatmeal is packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins like B1 (thiamine), minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc, and antioxidants that help protect against cell damage.
-
High in Fibre: Oatmeal is an excellent source of soluble fibre, particularly beta-glucan, which helps reduce cholesterol levels. Consuming oatmeal regularly can help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
-
Supports Digestive Health: The soluble fibre in oats forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, slowing digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. This can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
-
Helps Manage Blood Sugar: Oats have a low glycemic index, meaning they release sugar into the bloodstream slowly. This helps prevent blood sugar spikes, making oatmeal a good choice for people with type 2 diabetes or those looking to manage blood sugar levels.
-
Promotes Weight Loss: The fibre content in oatmeal promotes satiety, reducing hunger and helping with portion control. This can be beneficial for people looking to lose or manage weight, as oatmeal keeps you full for longer.
-
Rich in Antioxidants: Oats contain antioxidants like avenanthramides, which help reduce inflammation and may lower blood pressure. These antioxidants are unique to oats and also have anti-itch and anti-irritant properties.
-
Boosts Gut Health: Oatmeal serves as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.
-
Good for Heart Health: Regular consumption of oatmeal is linked to better heart health due to its cholesterol-lowering effects, its high content of heart-friendly nutrients like magnesium and potassium, and its ability to improve blood pressure control.
-
Energy Boosting: Oats are a complex carbohydrate that provides long-lasting energy. They release energy gradually, making them an excellent choice for breakfast to sustain energy levels throughout the morning.
-
May Help Prevent Childhood Asthma: Studies have suggested that introducing oats early in a child's diet may lower the risk of developing asthma in childhood.
With these numerous health benefits, oatmeal is a versatile and nutritious addition to any diet, particularly for people looking to improve heart health, manage weight, or control blood sugar levels.
Try our Oaty Starter Pack Today
2 comments
Hi Lynette, have you checked out our oatmeal bread recipe https://gfoats.com.au/blogs/recipes/oatmeal-bread
10 reasons that oats is good for us , was Excellent
They are Awesome I am trying to find a recipe to make Oat bread
No gluten no Dairy no yeast
I Will find one soon
Have a wonderful evening
God Blessings 🙏🙏