Quick facts about Oatmeal

OATS 1. Low calorie food; stops cravings. A cup is only 130 calories! It also stays in your stomach longer, making you feel full longer. You will have less hunger and cravings. 2. Provides high levels of fiber, low levels of fat, and high levels of protein. It’s on the short list for the highest protein levels of any grain 3. Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces risk of diabetes. The high fiber and complex carbohydrates slow down the conversion of this whole food to simple sugars. 4. Removes your bad cholesterol. Many studies have shown that the unique fiber in oatmeal called beta-glucan, has beneficial effects on cholesterol levels 5. Gluten-free safe. Oats lack many of the prolamines (proteins) found in wheat (gluten) but oats do contain avenin. Many studies have shown that many celiacs can consume wheat free oats with no problems. 6. Contains lignans which protect against heart disease and cancer. One lignan, called enterolactone, is thought to protect against breast and other hormone-dependent cancers as well as heart disease. 7. Contains unique antioxidants beneficial for heart disease. A study at Tufts University shows that the unique antioxidants in oatmeal called avenanthramides, help prevent free radicals from damaging LDL cholesterol. 8. Protects against heart failure. A Harvard study on 21,000 participants over 19 years showed that found that men who enjoyed a daily morning bowl of whole grain (but not refined) cereal had a 29% lower risk of heart failure. 9. Enhances immune response to disease. The unique fiber in oatmeal called beta-gluten also has been shown to helps neutrophils travel to the site of an infection more quickly and it also enhances their ability to eliminate the bacteria they find there. 10. It tastes good!