Oatmeal is a popular breakfast dish all over the world. Tasty and quick to make, it’s often one of the easiest quick-fixes for The world is pretty much divided between people who love oatmeal and people who hate it! However, if you don’t like it, then the chances are that you simply haven’t found the best way to enjoy it yet – and you really should give it another try. Oatmeal is packed with wonderful benefits, many of which you will find below! Here are ten fun facts about oatmeal that are well worth swallowing.
1. What is oatmeal?
We all know that oatmeal is a popular breakfast dish made from ground or rolled oats. But did you know that oats are actually grains derived from the oat plant, scientifically known as Avena sativa?
2. It’s part of an old tradition.
Although oatmeal seems to be the big thing on social media now, it has long been eaten by people! In fact, oats have been cultivated for thousands of years, and with good reason – they are considered some of the healthiest grains available.
3. They really are very good for you!
Oatmeal is rich in dietary fibre, particularly beta-glucan. This has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and even promote heart health!
4. Oat grains come in all shapes and sizes!
Well, not really, but there are various types of oatmeal available! These include steel-cut oats, rolled oats, quick oats, and instant oats.
5. What’s the difference?
If you find yourself getting a little overwhelmed over all the different oat options, you’ll be glad to know they’re not all that different! The main difference lies in the degree of processing and cooking time required.
6. What’s so good about a steel-cut oat?
Steel-cut oats are the least processed of all oat grains and take the longest to cook. On the other hand, as the name suggests, instant oats are precooked and require only hot water or a brief cooking time. The choice, as they say, is yours…
7. Prepare them as you like!
One of the best things about oats is that there are so many different ways of preparing them! Oatmeal can be prepared on the stovetop, in the microwave, or even overnight in the refrigerator, packed with fruits and nuts.
8. Oatmeal is endlessly versatile.
As mentioned above, oats can be pretty much made to suit any taste or demand. They are highly versatile, meaning there are myriad ways you can prepare them! People generally customize oatmeal with various toppings and mix-ins, such as fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds, honey, cinnamon, yoghurt, etc.
9. Feeding your body and your soul.
Oats don’t just taste nice, they are also great for you! Oats are nutritious grains that provide essential vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and B vitamins – so eat up!
10. Ever tried baking with oats?
If you really can’t get behind the taste of oatmeal, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of other ways of incorporating oats into your diet! Oatmeal is also commonly used in baking recipes such as cookies, bread, and granola bars – and there are stacks of easy recipes online to try (start with Pinterest and Instagram, for example).
FAQs about Oatmeal
Is it good to eat oatmeal every day?
Generally speaking, it's good to make oatmeal a regular part of your diet! It can help cut down your risk of disease, keep your gut health good, and even help you to manage weight. However, there is no need to have it every day. Enjoying a balanced diet means incorporating as many different food groups as you can, and oats can certainly be a part of that.
Is porridge the same as oatmeal?
Yes, porridge and oatmeal are ultimately the same thing! Some say the difference is between the Queen’s English and American English, while others suggest it is the way you prepare it (either with milk or water). However, you can pretty much use both terms to describe the same thing!
Are oats carb or protein?
Oats are a great source of both carbohydrates and protein, and are also packed with healthy amino acids. Oatmeal is a real superfood, whichever way you look at it.
Further reading:
https://facts.uk/tag/Nutrition
https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/how-to-make-oatmeal/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-oats-oatmeal
Do you know any fun facts about oatmeal? Share them in the comments below!