Oats are a part of American history, as George Washington sowed 580 acres of oats in 1786. And while oats are a major crop in the United States, not all bear a resemblance to the oats that people ate in the 1700s, as they are generally much more processed. However, If you choose steel-cut oats, you are choosing a relatively unrefined, healthy form of oats.
Types of Oatmeal
Not all oatmeal is created equal. When you shop for oatmeal, you will find different types -- some of which are not much better in a nutritional sense than eating a bowl of highly refined cold cereal. Rolled oats are the most common type of oatmeal. They are produced when the oat groat is mashed into a thin sheet by a huge roller. "Instant" rolled oats are prepared in much the same way, only they are subjected to additional grinding to further break down the fiber. In comparison, the oat groat in steel-cut oats is merely cut into two or three pieces. Rolled oats are often sold with added sugar and artificial colorings and flavorings, while steel-cut oats are not.
Contribute to Stable Blood Sugar
Steel-cut oats are superior to rolled oats when it comes to creating stable blood sugar. The body digests rolled oats relatively quickly, as they are thin sheets of oats that the body doesn't have to work hard to break down. This results in a faster rise in blood sugar than you will get with steel-cut oats. Of all the oats, steel cut oats take longer to digest and, hence, create less of an insulin response.
Convenience
Steel-cut oats can be just as convenient as the instant variety with a little planning. You can prepare your steel-cut oats in the evening. Place the steel-cut oats in a saucepan with water in a 1-to-4 ratio and let it sit overnight. In the morning, bring it to a boil and allow to simmer for five minutes. Make several servings to use as a healthy breakfast, which just needs heating, for the next few days.
Excellent Nutritional Profile
A 1/2 cup serving of cooked steel-cut oatmeal provides only 150 calories. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates, and provides 4 g of soluble fiber, which works to lower cholesterol. It also provides 5 g of protein. Add other healthy ingredients to your oatmeal to make it even healthier. Blueberries, flax seed, protein powder, almonds and cinnamon are all good choices. Top with a bit of milk for an old-fashioned breakfast that meets today's nutritional needs.
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