Oatmeal has long been promoted as good for your cardiovascular system, as well as being a good source of nutritional fiber. Your heart is the pump that provides your cardiovascular system with the blood flow needed for optimal health, but a blockage of flow in the system can quickly impair heart function. Oatmeal can help keep your heart-pump running smoothly.
Cholesterol
High cholesterol has been proven to increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber that can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a type of bad cholesterol in your blood. Soluble fiber, such as the type found in oatmeal, may also reduce the amount of cholesterol you absorb in your bloodstream. This action protects your heart and blood vessels from a buildup of plaque.
Antioxidants
Oatmeal contains antioxidants, called avenanthramides, that help prevent free radicals from wreaking havoc on the cells of the body. Free radicals cause oxidative damage that can harm the heart muscle, as well as lower immunity to infectious disease and cancer.
Nutrition
Oatmeal has no cholesterol and contains a significant amount of magnesium (112 mg), phosphorus (332 mg) and potassium (293 mg) per 1-cup serving. Magnesium protects the heart by reducing vascular resistance and lowering your blood pressure. Phosphorus is crucial for the efficient contraction of the heart muscle as well as to regulate the beat. Potassium protects against irregular heart rhythms and aids in keeping blood pressure within normal limits.
Improved Digestion
Oatmeal is a filling food and regular use of this grain at breakfast will slow digestion through your intestinal tract. This slowing allows your body to stabilize blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can damage the heart muscle by causing the sugar to remain in the blood, rather than fueling the muscles. This starvation of the muscles causes weakness, inefficient functioning and ultimately, failure. Oatmeal protects the heart by ensuring that the sugars enter the bloodstream slowly enough to be properly used by the muscles.
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