What is Oatmeal?

food cooking

Oatmeal has come a long way in recent years. Years ago, mothers would spend twenty minutes each winter morning in front of pot of oatmeal, stirring constantly to keep out lumps. Nowadays, this porridge-like cereal, which is made of rolled oats, often is made using the instant variety. While oatmeal purists may disagree, many believe that instant oatmeal's convenience and good taste makes it a preferable option for getting your oatmeal fix.

Twenty or thirty years ago, parents would sprinkle sugar over oatmeal or add fruit to make it more attractive to kids. Today’s sweetened varieties look and taste nothing like their predecessors. Oatmeal isn’t just a hot cereal fed to children in an attempt to get something warm into their stomach before sending them out in the cold. Not by a long shot. Oatmeal has many benefits.

  • Oatmeal is an excellent source of calcium, especially if made with milk. Calcium helps to strengthen bones, teeth and hair and staves off osteoporosis.
  • Oatmeal is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
  • Oatmeal is filling. Those who eat oatmeal in the morning are less likely to fill up with sugary snacks before lunch.
  • Oatmeal contains high amounts of fiber, keeping you regular.
  • Oatmeal is a low-fat food. You can eat a large bowl without having to worry about packing on the pounds. Keep track of the sugar content, however. Some oatmeal varieties geared towards kids contain high amounts of sugar.
  • The water soluble fiber in oatmeal helps to lower cholesterol.
  • The soluble fiber in oatmeal also deters the consumption of starch. This is especially good news for diabetics, as they won’t experience a rise in insulin after eating.
  • Oatmeal is said to have cancer fighting properties.
  • Oatmeal contains plenty of protein.

In addition to providing health benefits when eaten, oatmeal can be used in many home remedies as well. For instance:

  • Used in a bath, oatmeal can take the itch out of rashes caused by allergies or illnesses such as chicken pox.
  • Applying a paste of oatmeal and water helps soothe insect bites, bee stings and the itch caused by poison ivy.
  • Oatmeal and water makes a wonderful facial scrub. An oatmeal mask will also soften skin.

As you can see, the benefits of oatmeal abound. If bad memories of a lumpy childhood breakfast have steered you clear of the oatmeal aisle, you might want to give it another try. Chances are you won’t be disappointed.

Related wiseGEEK articles

Category

wiseGEEK features

Subscribe to wiseGEEK


12
Is oatmeal labeled "1 min" or "quick oats" less nutritious? I've read the labels on both regular and quick oat boxes and the read the same?
- anon50729
11
You're making all kinds of claims but you're not saying what is in it. Lots of vitamins and minerals? Which ones in what amounts? Lots of fiber? 2g isn't lots. Lots of protein? 2 g isn't lots. Come on, 3/4 of the calories in most oatmeal is from sugars.
- anon48937
Editor's reply: Plain, unflavored oatmeal has less than 1 gram of sugar per serving. One cup contains 6.1 grams of protein and over 4 grams of fiber.
10
Where can I get oatmeal?
- anon43380
9
can eating oatmeal increase uric acid?
- anon41565
8
Do you have to do this daily?
- anon32054
7
what is oat?
- anon19157
6
I completely disagree with the opening statement of this article. The best tasting oatmeal is made from old fashioned slow-cooked rolled oats. They do not have to be constantly stirred. Just bring the water to a boil then cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add milk, fruit and maple syrup. Quick cooking oats do not even remotely compare in texture or taste!
- anon18497
Editor's reply: Oatmeal traditionalists need not fear! I edited the opening of the article to accommodate differing views on the instant vs. slow-cooked oatmeal debate!
5
Is oatmeal considered a starch?

I was told to omit starches from my diet by my doctor due to high triglycerides.

- lvitullo
4
Is Oatmeal addictive?
- anon10298
3
Is oatmeal high in magnesium? What mineral benefits does it contain overall?
- anon5632
2
Does oatmeal reduce weight in children when had for breakfast daily? (age 2 years and 7 months)
- anon2858
1
can eating oatmeal everyday give you diarrhea?
- anon1736

FREE: Subscribe to wiseGEEK

 
    learn more

our strict privacy policy ensures that your email address will be safe



Written by Deborah Ng
Last Modified: 31 October 2009

copyright © 2003 - 2009
conjecture corporation