Oats are not only a super versatile breakfast food but they’re also incredibly nutritious. In this article we’ll explore why oats really are the ultimate super food for breakfast and get into some recipes to include oats in your diet in more fun and delicious ways.
Let’s dive in.
Jump to:What happens when you eat oats every day for breakfast?
Oats have been a staple in the diet for many years and are a nutrient powerhouse, providing a range of micronutrients including manganese, folate, and zinc.
Although they’re a carbohydrate, they also contain more protein than many other grains. They’re a form of complex carbohydrate, meaning that they take longer to break down and to digest, providing longer lasting energy.
When paired with a source of protein and healthy fats, oats make a balanced breakfast that’ll keep us full and satisfied as well as helping us to meet our overall nutrient requirements.
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Why are oats the ultimate super food for breakfast?
They keep you fuller for longer
There are a few reasons why oats are a great food to include at breakfast if you want to be kept full and satisfied all morning.
Firstly, oats are a form of complex carbohydrate, meaning they have multiple molecules of sugar within a chain that needs to be broken down to release energy into the blood stream.
Because of this complex nature, they take longer to break down than simpler carbohydrates, providing longer lasting energy. When we pair oats with a source of protein and healthy fats, it can slow down digestion further, meaning you’re more likely to feel physically satisfied.
Fiber content
The fiber in oats remains intact as it passes through the body and absorbs water which can provide a sensation of fullness.
Studies have also shown that a type of fiber provided by oats, beta-glucan, can promote the release of peptide YY— a hormone produced in response to eating that signals satiety (1).
They can help in relieving and preventing constipation
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plants that isn’t broken down during digestion. It works by absorbing water, which encourages it to move smoothly through the body, absorbing waste products like cholesterol (more on that later!) and removing them from the body.
Oats pack a fiber punch, with 4g per 40g serving.
The soluble fiber found in oats absorbs water and forms a gel that adds bulk to stools, which can soften them and make them easier to pass. Studies have continuously shown that adding fiber to the diet can improve symptoms in those with chronic constipation (2).
They can support balanced blood sugar levels
It’s normal for blood sugar levels to increase after eating, but when they increase suddenly, they provide instant fast-acting energy followed by a sudden crash. This can leave us feeling hungry, tired, and irritable.
Oats are broken down slowly, so their energy is released into our blood stream steadily, preventing sudden peaks and drops.
Regularly eating oats can promote healthy cholesterol levels
Oats contain a type of fiber known as beta-glucan, which has been shown to reduce the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad”cholesterol in our blood (3). Studies have shown that just 3g of beta-glucan daily can help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels (4).
To put this into perspective, a 40g serving of oatmeal contains around 2g of beta-glucan.
They can support heart health
As well as supporting heart health by lowering levels of LDL cholesterol, oats are also rich in heart-loving antioxidants.
Antioxidants are compounds that can help to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can help to protect against chronic conditions like heart disease (5)."
They support a healthy digestive (& immune) system
As mentioned above, oats are a source of soluble fiber, which can promote regularity and prevent constipation, which keeps our digestive system healthy.
Beta-glucan, a type of fiber found in oats, is also considered a prebiotic, which means that it helps to feed the “good bacteria” in your gut, supporting them to thrive.
This is also thought to support immunity, as there are links between having a more diverse collection of good bacteria and a healthy immune system (6).
11 oat breakfast recipe ideas you need to try
You don’t have to stick to the same plain bowl of oatmeal every day to get the benefits of oats. You could use oats in baking, have them in muesli, add them to smoothies, or try out some of these recipes to try oats in different ways.
Healthy Cheesecake Overnight Oats
A creamy and delicious twist on your classic overnight oats. Brimming with 40g of protein and all the oaty goodness we just talked about, these are a must try.
Healthy Cheesecake Overnight Oats
A creamy take on a classic breakfast.
Churros Inspired Caramel Baked Oats
With a warm, sweet taste, these breakfast oats are sure to keep you energized and satisfied throughout the morning.
Churros Inspired Caramel Baked Oats
Churros for breakfast? Yes please. These plant-based, churros-inspired oats will give you a reason to get up in the morning.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Baked Oats
These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Baked Oats are like dessert for breakfast. Packed with protein, they’re ideal to have as your first meal of the day.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Baked Oats
Finish off pumpkin season strong with these Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Baked Oats.
Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
This recipe really spices up breakfast. It’s the perfect one to use on a Saturday morning brunch with friends to show off your kitchen skills and get those macros in too.
High-Protein Gingerbread Baked Oats
A seasonal classic that I think should be enjoyed all year round. These baked oats are the best type of morning comfort food. Packed with great tasting goodness.
High-Protein Gingerbread Baked Oats
These warm, fluffy oats will be sure to warm you up on those cold winter mornings.
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Take home message
Oats are not only packed full of nutrients to support our health and fitness goals, they’re also incredibly versatile. There are so many ways to include oats in our diet to get the benefits of them- be sure to try out some of the recipes in this article and experiment with your own.
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.
