Reconsidering the Health Benefits of Oatmeal: What You Need to Know Before Adding it to Your Diet
Oatmeal is often touted as one of the healthiest foods, known to lower cholesterol levels, improve blood glucose levels, and contribute to a healthy heart. However, Dr. Eric Berg D.C. delves into the latest research on oatmeal and provides a more nuanced perspective on this popular breakfast food. In this article, we will examine the various components of oatmeal, and how they impact our health. From blood sugar levels to gluten-free diets, we will explore the effects of oatmeal on the body, and whether or not it is truly healthy.
What is oatmeal?
Before we dive into the details, let's take a brief overview of oatmeal. Oatmeal is a type of porridge made from oats, which are a type of cereal grain. It is typically consumed as a breakfast food and is prepared by boiling oats in water or milk.
New information on oatmeal:
In this section, we will discuss some of the recent studies conducted on oatmeal and their findings. Dr. Eric Berg DC talks about three things that people may not be aware of regarding oatmeal, which are as follows:
Blood sugar and insulin:
Several studies have been conducted on oatmeal's effect on blood sugar and insulin levels. According to the studies, oatmeal does show a significant improvement in both of these areas. However, when compared to a control group, which is usually white bread, the results are more pronounced. This means that the improvement in blood sugar and insulin levels is not just because of the oatmeal but is also due to the fact that it is being compared to a food item that causes a sharp spike in blood sugar levels.
Cholesterol:
Like blood sugar and insulin, oatmeal does show an improvement in cholesterol levels. However, as with blood sugar and insulin, the results are more pronounced when compared to a control group. In some studies, participants were given beta-glucan, which is a compound found in oats, and this resulted in a reduction in cholesterol levels. However, it is important to note that this was an isolated compound, and it is unclear whether the same effect would be seen when consuming oatmeal as a whole grain.
Gluten-free:
Oats are often marketed as gluten-free, which is true to some extent. However, oats do contain a type of gluten called avanin, which can cause inflammation in some people. This inflammation may not be noticeable for days, making it difficult to establish a clear connection between the consumption of oats and the symptoms experienced.
In conclusion, oatmeal is not as healthy as it is often portrayed to be. While it does show some improvement in blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol levels, these results are more pronounced when compared to a control group. Additionally, the gluten content in oats can cause inflammation in some people. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of consuming oatmeal and make an informed decision based on personal health goals and circumstances.