Oatmeal and Cholesterol: The Perfect Match

If you are concerned about your cholesterol numbers and how they can affect your risk of heart disease, you are not alone. Ever since “cholesterol” has become the topic of choice in the medical and nutrition community, people have been curious to know how to keep their cholesterol count at a healthy level. After all, a healthy number means that you don’t have any of those artery-clogging substances keeping healthy blood from your heart. It seems wise to pay close attention to which foods will keep fat and cholesterol at bay, and which are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Hence, the research began on the link between oatmeal and cholesterol.

Oatmeal, Anyone?

Oatmeal has been a breakfast favorite for many years, but recently it has received plenty of positive press about the benefit this wholesome dish can have on your heart health. In fact, the FDA, after studying the link between oatmeal and cholesterol, has actually approved the first health claim to be placed on a particular food. The claim states, “Soluble fiber from oatmeal, as part of a low saturated fat, low cholesterol diet, may reduce the risk of heart disease.” Powerful words from a powerful entity, and people have been flocking to the cereal aisle of the local grocer ever since. After all, how many times are you told that a food that is actually fun to eat is also good for you? Even if your cholesterol numbers are a beautiful thing to behold, you can still benefit from a regular bowl of this low-fat, cholesterol-free, high fiber food.

Oatmeal and Cholesterol Equals a Healthy Heart

Here is how it seems to work. To put it in simple terms, an oat from a bowl of oatmeal acts as a sort of sponge to absorb the cholesterol in the blood. By eating oatmeal daily, you can actually lower your cholesterol level as much as 10%. This translates into a reduction of your risk of heart disease by up to 30%. The numbers are in and the evidence is compelling indeed – oatmeal and cholesterol are the perfect match. To reap these benefits, you simply must eat a bowl of oatmeal every morning. You can find oatmeal in the instant variety as well as the slow-cooked method for those who like their cereal the old fashioned way. No matter how you cook it, the nutrition value remains the same. For additional oat bran benefits, you can use oats as a coating for fish or chicken, or substitute your flour with oats in some of your baking recipes.

If you or your doctor is concerned about your cholesterol levels, why not jump-start your mornings with a hearty bowl of oatmeal. You will keep your heart happy, and your waist line may see the rewards as well. Oatmeal and cholesterol - it’s a win, win!