Filed under: home
Visit lowering cholesterol naturally or how to lower cholesterol even Visit lower your cholesterol
Oatmeal is an important component of any healthy diet, and a bowl of hot oatmeal is a common sight on breakfast tables of heath conscious families over the world. Oatmeal is low in fat and sugar, high in dietary fiber, and rich in nutrients, making it a true health food. It is thought to play a role in reducing heart disease, .lowering cholesterol, and fighting cancer, not to mention improving overall digestive function. There are many benefits to a bowl of oatmeal, and one big drawback: Let's face it, unless you have an affinity for the impossibly bland, oatmeal does not taste very good. Interested in punching up the flavor of oatmeal without compromising the health benefits? Read on if you answered yes.
Dump the prepackaged, flavored, instant oatmeal and go with steel cut oatmeal. Yes, the prepackaged stuff tastes better than plain oatmeal, but it is LOADED with refined sugar and sometimes fats. Steel cut oats are the only way to go. Steel cut oats take a bit longer to cook, but it is worth the time and effort. The oatmeal is creamy and the oats themselves are chewy. Steel cut oats make a superior oatmeal to the pasty instant and flake varieties. Once you try steel cut oats, flakes will never be good enough.
Now that we have a good foundation of steel cut oats, how do you improve the flavor?
The best and healthiest way to improve the flavor of oatmeal may also be the simplest: Cinnamon. Cinnamon imparts a wonderful, pungent flavor to the oatmeal, and actually increases the health benefits. Studies have shown cinnamon helps lower LDL cholesterol, and there is some evidence it may help regulate blood sugar, making it valuable to those with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon also is an anti-clotting agent in the blood, helps with digestion, and is loaded with several important nutrients. If you are looking for a simple, healthful and effective flavor enhancer for your oatmeal, cinnamon should fit the bill.
Is cinnamon not quite enough? Do you want to sweeten the taste of your oatmeal? Instead of sugar, or brown sugar, a little natural honey with your cinnamon. Honey adds a distinct sweetness to the oatmeal without a lot of refined sugars. Honey serves as a natural antibiotic. Adding honey to your oatmeal not only improves the flavor, but enhances the health benefits.
Fresh fruits or berries are a great addition to any bowl of oatmeal. Blueberries, in particular, are on most lists of “superfoods” and are packed with flavor and valuable antioxidants. Other good choices include raisins, dried cherries, and strawberries, or any combination of them. I sometimes add a small amount of nuts (walnut or almond pieces) to my oatmeal to give it a little crunch and add some protein.
Finally, consider adding a little low fat milk to your bowl. It makes the oatmeal creamier and has the benefit of adding protein and vitamin D to your breakfast.
Oatmeal should have a prominent role in the diet of the health conscious individual. By trying out these ideas, you make it not only a healthy meal, but a flavorful one as well.
Above is e random extract from Associated Content, visit Associated Content for its original writer.
Above picture is a random extract from Flickr, writer of this blog do not claim ownership of this picture, visit Flickr for its owner.
Ningún comentario so far
Leave a comment
Leave a comment
Line and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong> <span class=""> <p> <br>