Why Old Fashioned Oats Should Be a Staple in Your Pantry
When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, the type of foods you have in your pantry can make or break your progress. Oats are among the must-have pantry staples that can do wonders for your health and well-being. If you haven’t already added them to your grocery list, here are some reasons why old-fashioned oats should be a staple in your pantry.
Low in Calories and Rich in Nutrients
Old-fashioned oats are a type of whole-grain food that is high in fiber and protein. They are also low in calories, making them a great addition to your weight loss plan. A half-cup serving of dry oats contains about 150 calories, 5 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, and several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, thiamine, and iron. The fiber in oats can help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and digestive problems.
Budget-Friendly and Versatile
One of the advantages of adding oats to your pantry is that they are budget-friendly and can be used in a variety of dishes. You can have them as a hot breakfast cereal, mix them into smoothies, or use them as a flour substitute in baking recipes. They can also be added to meat dishes as a binder or used to make veggie burgers. The possibilities are endless, making them a versatile pantry item.
Reduce Your Cholesterol Level
Oats are known to have a high amount of beta-glucan, which is a type of soluble fiber that can help reduce your cholesterol levels. Several studies have shown that consuming oats can lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol level by up to 10%, which can reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke over time. If you are struggling with high cholesterol, adding oats to your pantry can help you manage this condition.
Easy to Prepare
Another reason to add old-fashioned oats to your pantry is that they are easy to prepare. You can cook them on the stovetop, in the microwave, or overnight in the refrigerator. They typically take less than 10 minutes to cook, making them a quick breakfast option for busy mornings. And if you don’t have time to cook them, you can always mix them with milk or yogurt and eat them cold.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned oats are a nutritious and budget-friendly pantry staple that can do wonders for your health and well-being. With their low-calorie content, high fiber and protein, and cholesterol-lowering properties, adding oats to your diet can help you achieve your weight loss goals and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. So, the next time you go grocery shopping, make sure to add a container of old-fashioned oats to your basket. Your body will thank you.
