Oatmeal is a breakfast cereal made from ground oats, steel-cut oats, rolled oats or crushed oats. It is typically a mixture of the oat base and heated milk or water. Oats also are ingredients in cookies and other snacks such as nutrition bars. The federal Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, gave oatmeal a stamp of approval as a heart-healthy and cholesterol-lowering food in 1995.
Function
Oatmeal is effective at lowering low-density lipoprotein levels, otherwise known as LDL or "bad" cholesterol. Oatmeal can lower LDL through its high soluble-fiber content. Soluble fiber breaks down in the digestive track and blocks the absorption of some LDL cholesterol into the bloodstream. According to the Mayo Clinic website, it takes 5 to 10 grams of fiber per day to lower LDL levels. A 1.5-cup serving of oatmeal contains 6 grams of fiber.
Results
According to the website Eat More Oats, several studies show that eating a serving of oatmeal per day can have a significant impact on overall and LDL cholesterol levels.
Theories/Speculation
According to Eat More Oats, recent studies also suggest that oatmeal has antioxidant benefits. The particular antioxidants in oatmeal also help lower cholesterol levels by reducing the ability of blood cells to stick to the walls of arteries.
Other Benefits
In addition to its cholesterol-lowering properties, oatmeal is high in fiber and vitamins, It can help increase bowel regularity, lower blood pressure, fight cancer, lower blood sugar levels, give you more energy and make you feel more full as you try to lose weight.
Misconceptions
Although oatmeal has many health benefits, it is not a cure-all for heart disease or high cholesterol. Oatmeal should be part of a program that includes a healthy diet, exercise and prescribed medication if needed. Seek medical advice if you suspect you have high or unhealthy cholesterol levels.
