Oatmeal is a breakfast staple loved by many. It’s a hearty and healthy choice to start your day, but there’s been some confusion surrounding oatmeal that we’d like to address.
Firstly, let’s clarify what oatmeal actually is. It’s made from ground oats and can come in various forms including instant, rolled, steel-cut, or Scottish. All of these types of oatmeal are made from the same ingredient, but they differ in how they’re processed.
Instant oatmeal is the most processed type, as it’s precooked and then dehydrated for quick cooking. Rolled oats are steamed, flattened, and then dried. Steel-cut oats are sliced into small pieces, while Scottish oats are stone-ground instead of being flattened.
Now that we’ve clarified the different types of oatmeal, let’s talk about the confusion. Firstly, many people believe that instant oatmeal is less healthy than other types of oatmeal because it has added sugar and flavorings. While it’s true that some brands of instant oatmeal do contain added sugars, there are many brands available that don’t have any added sugars or flavors at all. In fact, if you choose plain instant oatmeal, it can still be a healthy and quick breakfast choice.
Another point of confusion is the debate over gluten-free oatmeal. Oats themselves are naturally gluten-free, but they can sometimes be processed in facilities that also process wheat, barley, or rye which contain gluten. This contamination can make some people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance react negatively to oats. However, there are many brands of oatmeal that specifically state they are gluten-free, and these can be enjoyed by those who need to avoid gluten.
Lastly, there has been some confusion surrounding the health benefits of oatmeal itself. It is commonly known that oatmeal is high in fiber and can lower cholesterol levels. However, there has been some debate over whether or not oats contain a protein that is similar to gluten, which can cause some people to have an inflammatory reaction. While there has been some research on this topic, it’s important to note that the majority of people can safely consume oats and enjoy their health benefits.
In conclusion, oatmeal is a healthy and versatile breakfast option that can be enjoyed by many different types of people. Whether you prefer instant or steel-cut, gluten-free or regular, oatmeal has many health benefits and can be a delicious start to your day.