Eat Groovy Q & A: Are Steel-Cut Oats Healthier For You Than Rolled Oats?

Question: Are Steel-Cut Oats Healthier For You Than Rolled Oats?

Answer: Not really. The nutritional difference between steel-cut oats and rolled oats is not significant. The protein, carbohydrate, calorie, fiber, fat, calcium, and iron contents are basically the same. Although rolled oats are processed a bit more and flattened this process does not destroy nutrients. Both kinds are very good for you! (See A Few Reasons Oatmeal Is So Good For You! to learn more.)

The kind of oats that you do want to avoid, however, are the instant packet varieties which may contain a lot of added sugar, salt, flavorings, and preservatives.

If you're looking for a new way to eat oatmeal you may be interested in trying this Baked Banana Oatmeal Recipe! It looks delicious, right?

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A Few Reasons Oatmeal Is So Good For You!

Oats are a great source of fiber. They contain both insoluble and soluble fiber. The insoluble fiber in oatmeal benefits the digestive system. Insoluble fiber also may help prevent cancer by attacking certain bile acids and reducing their toxicity.

Oats are also rich in the soluble fiber known as beta-glucan which helps lower cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Beta-glutans also enhance the immune system by activating microphages, a type of white blood cells that destroy fungi and bacteria. Beta-glutans may even help to kill cancer cells.

Oats also contain vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and selenium, all of which are important for our health.

Oats also contain protein. In fact, oatmeal has more protein than any other popular breakfast cereal.

It's worth noting that the type of oatmeal you buy is important. Forget the instant packs or highly processed stuff. The less processing, the higher the fiber, the less added sugar, and the better the oatmeal is for you!

Oatmeal is also a perfect food to mix with other super healthy foods such as berries, apples, pumpkin, or certain spices.