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Not only is oatmeal a healthy superfood, but it also curbs cravings and suppresses your appetite. Show your oatmeal some love at sun-up, sun-down, or somewhere in between, and you’ll show your body some nutritional love, too!
Let’s take a look at 7 health benefits of adding oatmeal to your diet.
1) It Can Help Lower Cholesterol
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Oatmeal contains beta-glucan, which decreases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol.
A review of research shows that consuming 3 grams or more of beta-glucan per day through oatmeal can help reduce cholesterol levels.
2) It Reduces Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
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Not only does oatmeal help with high cholesterol, but studies show the fiber in oatmeal can lower your risk of strokes and heart attacks, too!
Oat bran contains even more fiber than oatmeal, making it another great choice to keep your heart healthy.
3) It’s a Great Source of Antioxidants
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Oatmeal is full of antioxidants that help prevent cell damage.
Specifically, oats are the only food to contain a unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which may protect against heart disease and help lower blood pressure. They can also improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
4) It Gives You An Energy Boost
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Oatmeal is a low glycemic food, giving you more energy and helping you feel fuller longer.
A study found that people who consumed a low-glycemic meal like oatmeal before a run had much better endurance than those who ate a high-glycemic meal.
5) It Can Help Lower Blood Pressure
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If you want to lower your blood pressure naturally, consider adding a bowl of oatmeal to your breakfast menu.
One study found that people with high blood pressure who ate oatmeal were twice as likely to either stop their blood pressure medication or cut it in half! The biggest benefit came from cooked (non-instant) organic oatmeal.
6) It Aids in Weight Loss
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Oatmeal can help keep your cravings at bay.
A study published in Nutrition Journal found that eating a bowl of instant or old-fashioned oatmeal for breakfast improved appetite control over four hours compared to an oat-based cereal.
Oatmeal can help with weight loss and weight maintenance by reducing your likelihood of grabbing a snack or overeating at your next meal.
7) It Improves Gut Health
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Oatmeal contains soluble and insoluble fiber that helps improve gut health and add bulk to your stool. (Great for relieving constipation and keeping you regular!)
Oatmeal’s fiber content can also act as a prebiotic, which promotes healthy bacteria in your gut and helps reduce the risk of digestive issues and inflammation.
14 Health Benefits of Cucumbers (And a Few Refreshing Recipes)
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From healthy skin to improved memory, check out the top 14 health benefits of cucumbers!
And if you’re lucky enough to have a load from your garden or farmers market on hand, you’ll definitely want to check out some of our favorite cucumber recipes, too.
14 Health Benefits of Cucumbers (And a Few Refreshing Recipes)
53 Best Weight Loss Snacks
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To keep you from going crazy with calories even when the saltiest of cravings hit, my team and I rounded up our best weight-loss snack recipes that are super easy to throw together.
And when you don’t have time or you’re on the go, we also made a list of our favorite healthy purchased snacks too!
Juicing Recipes and Tips For Beginners
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Juicing has become quite popular in the last ten years, popping up in local strip malls, cafes, and gyms because drinking fresh juice makes you feel so good!
Don’t worry—juicing for beginners can be fun and uncomplicated. Here are some of my best tips and juicing recipes to get you started!
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