Is Oatmeal Low Carb?

Oatmeal, a good source of fiber, can help lower your cholesterol and control your blood sugar levels. Heart-healthy oatmeal contains complex carbohydrates, an important part of a healthy, balanced diet. You should eat six servings of carbohydrates -- at least half from whole grain sources -- daily, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Fiber

A healthy diet includes both soluble and insoluble fiber, and all sources of fiber contain carbohydrates. Soluble fiber dissolves somewhat in water, while insoluble fiber does not. Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber, but has negligible amounts of insoluble fiber. Oatmeal and other foods that contain soluble fiber, including including flax, lentils, citrus fruits, strawberries and apples, can help lower the level of bad cholesterol -- LDL or low-density lipoprotein -- in your blood. Insoluble fiber helps protect against some types of cancer and can help relieve constipation. A substance in oats called beta-glucan may also reduce the risk of heart disease.

Low-Carbohydrate Diets

The carbohydrates in oatmeal present a problem only if you follow a low-carbohydrate diet to lose weight. Low-carbohydrate diets severely restrict carbohydrate content to help you quickly shed water weight and, over time, actual body weight. In the first phase of the Atkins diet, the most restrictive low-carbohydrate eating plan, your carbohydrate intake is limited to 20 g daily. A bowl of oatmeal contains 31 g of carbohydrates.

Oatmeal Benefits

If you're not following a low-carbohydrate diet, the carbohydrates in oatmeal provide benefits. While refined carbohydrates, such as those found in sugar, commercial baked goods and white bread, elevate blood sugar levels, oatmeal and other complex carbohydrates help bring blood sugar levels under control. Oats are also high in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which help protect against heart conditions, diabetes and certain types of cancer. You can keep oatmeal healthy by choosing toppings wisely. Apples, blueberries and almonds add nutrition, while butter and brown sugar add mostly empty fat and sugar calories.

Considerations

All fruits, vegetables and grains contain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates from whole food sources -- complex carbohydrates -- provide rich nutrients essential to a healthy, well-balanced diet. The American Dietetic Association recommends that adult women consume 25 g of fiber and that men consume 38 g of fiber daily from plant sources. About 5 to 10 g of this total should come from soluble fiber, according to MayoClinic.com. You could meet your daily quota for soluble fiber by eating 1 1/2 cups of oatmeal topped with a sliced banana or apple.