Simple foods can offer abundant health benefits. Oatmeal and avocado are two supermarket staples that, when eaten regularly, can help fight a host of diseases. They are also incredibly versatile. Oatmeal is a delicious breakfast food whether cooked hot or toasted to make granola, but you can also use it to thicken smoothies, to bake cookies, or substitute finely ground oats for flour in bread. Use avocado in salads, dips, sliced in sandwiches, or stuffed and served as an appetizer.
Lower Cholesterol
Both oatmeal and avocado are known to reduce the level of unhealthy cholesterol in your blood. According to the book “Simple Steps for Total Health” a 1996 study at the Mexican Institute for Social Security showed that people who ate avocado every day for a week reduced their cholesterol levels by more than 15 percent. Studies of oatmeal show that eating one serving per day can reduce blood cholesterol by up to 20 percent, notes “The Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Foods.”
Vitamins and Minerals
Adding avocados to your diet will help ensure you get adequate levels of vitamin A, the B vitamins, calcium, iron and potassium, reports “Simple Steps for Total Health.” These are especially beneficial if you are an athlete or under physical strain, because of their antioxidant properties. Oatmeal also supplies B vitamins and a range of minerals including calcium, iron and phosphorus. You can boost its nutrition content even further by enjoying it with fruit for breakfast, or using oat flour as a thickener for soup or stew.
Quality Protein
High quality plant protein is essential for vegetarians and vegans, but it is also important if you want to meet your protein requirements without having excess animal fat in your diet. Avocados supply all of the essential amino acids notes the “California Master Gardener Handbook,” and they have the highest protein concentration of any fruit. Oatmeal tops the protein table for grains with more protein per serving than any other popular cereal, according to “The 150 Healthiest Foods On Earth.”
Low Gylcemic Index
Foods with a low glycemic index are healthful because they don’t cause spikes in blood sugar. This helps protect against diabetes, and it also prevents blood sugar crashes which can lead to cravings, binge-eating and weight-gain. Oatmeal has a low glycemic index thanks to its high fiber content, so it curbs hunger and cravings, according to “The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth.” Avocados are also recommended for a low GI diet because they are high in healthful monounsaturated fat, and protein, which release energy slowly and keep you feeling full.
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