Did you know that having oats every day can help decrease your total cholesterol level? There are very few grains that are more nutritious than oats. Oats are gluten-free and a good source of vital nutrients. You can use oats to make oatmeal, granola bars, or cookies. Oats are even used as substitutes for wheat flour or eggs.
Health benefits of eating oats
Most grains, on the other hand, are low in protein and fat compared to oats. Nitric oxide generation may be increased by avenanthramides, a type of antioxidant found nearly exclusively in oats. Blood arteries dilate as a result of this gas molecule. Anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties are also provided by avenanthramides. Oats are also very filling that can be really helpful when you’re trying to lose weight. However, having oatmeal instead of a huge meal everyday can be boring at one point.
Mix and Match
Oatmeal makes a very flat meal. It’s a mushy porridge that has a subtle nutty taste and only a hint of sweetness. Flavor-wise, if you’re eating it as is, you’re just getting a goop that’s more like mashed rice. But also because of its subtle taste, you can complement oatmeal with just about anything and explore different flavors.
Sweet Combinations
You can go for safe combinations like bananas or strawberries with chocolate or add nuts and dried berries. If you have a lot of time on your hands, you can even add caramelized sugar on top to make it like an oatmeal brûlée. Adding toasted marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate syrup also recreates that cozy taste of s’mores.
Savory Combinations
But if you’re not a fan of sweet things, you can also go for savory recipes. You can add butter, salt and pepper to taste. Or even cook the oatmeal with broth and add a bit of soy sauce and green onions for a healthy version of arroz caldo or risotto.