Are Oats A Healthy Food For Breakfast?

Good old-fashioned oatmeal has never been the most glamorous of breakfasts, but it is among the most beneficial for your health. Oats come in many forms: steel cut, rolled and quick oats, to name a few. The simplicity and versatility of this hearty grain makes it a great breakfast choice, with numerous positive health effects.

Decreased Blood Pressure

Heart disease is rampant in Western society, but the humble oat has been revealed to be a potent weapon in the fight against heart disease. According to research published in the "Journal of Family Practice" in 2002, whole-grain oat cereals can help control your blood pressure and reduce the need for blood pressure medication. The fiber found in oats has been associated with decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Lower Blood Cholesterol

Oats can also help your heart by lowering the amount of cholesterol in your blood. According to the American Heart Association, soluble fiber found in oat bran and oatmeal have been shown to decrease blood cholesterol. The AHA urges you to read the labels on commercial oat bran products to determine how much bran they actually contain -- advertising can be deceiving but nutritional labeling is regulated for accuracy under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Regulate Blood Glucose

In addition to soluble fiber, oat products are a rich source of viscous fiber, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Viscous fibers form thick solutions, or gels, when added to water. Adding the viscous fiber found in oats to meals that are rich in carbohydrates helps to inhibit the large spikes in blood glucose and maintain lower, more sustained blood glucose levels. This effect is believed to decrease the risk of developing both type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart disease.

Regulate Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal process that your immune system uses to heal wounds and fight infections. When inflammation is chronic, however, it can increase your risk of numerous degenerative diseases. Chronic inflammation has been associated with heart disease, cancer and arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, a carbohydrate that is contained in oats, called beta-glucan, may help regulate the immune response associated with inflammation.

Weight Loss

A breakfast of oats may help you lose weight. According to MayoClinic.com, a diet rich in high fiber foods such as oats helps keep you feeling fuller longer by supplying you with low-energy-density food that supplies more bulk and fewer calories than some other breakfast choices.