The weather is finally starting to cool down, and many of us are getting ready for the more autumn-appropriate hearty meals. Typically, this involves something warm and comforting, which is almost always served in a bowl. And when it comes to breakfast, perhaps one of the easiest things to have on-hand for a comforting, yet quick, easy and filling meal is, you guessed it, oats! – (1) toss in a few ingredients, bake in the oven and you have yourself a granola! (2) Add your preferred milk and place in the fridge before bed, and you have overnight oats in the morning, ready to go! (3) Cook over the stove with either milk or water, top with some fruit and drizzle with honey, and your favourite breakfast porridge is ready!

Yes, there are many ways we can turn this grain into a delicious and filling meal. But the question remains, are they in fact, good for you?

The short answer, according to many medical journals such as Healthline, American Heart Association, Cleveland Clinic and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (to name a few) is YES. Overall, there seems to be a high consensus that oats are good for weight loss, lowering blood sugar levels and improving heart health.

Read on to find out more reasons why oats are good for you:

7 Benefits of Eating Oats

1.  They are extremely nutritious and a good source of carbohydrates and proteins. Most importantly, oats are full of important vitamins and minerals. These include: manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, folate, vitamin B1 and B5. And to a smaller degree, they contain calcium, potassium, vitamin B6 and B3 – All excellent at protecting your immune system, fighting fatigue and improving overall energy levels.
2. They are a great source of antioxidants, making them ideal for fighting and reducing inflammation in the body, as well as lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow and circulation.
3. They contain large amounts of soluble fibre, which is excellent for reducing blood sugar levels and increasing the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract, making them ideal for good gut health. If you suffer from Type 2 diabetes, this soluble fibre is also known to act as a strong regulator.
4. They can lower cholesterol levels. If you suffer from any condition brought on by high cholesterol, then adding oats to your diet would definitely be worth a try, as the soluble fibre mentioned above is also effective in reducing your bad cholesterol and improving heart health in the process.
5. They are helpful in aiding weight loss. If you are on a journey to lose weight then oats are the grains for you. Not only do they make hearty and delicious breakfasts, but they are extremely filling and take hours to break down and digest. This feeling of being fuller for longer, means you are less likely to snack throughout the day and consume unnecessary calories and thereby achieve your weight loss goals.
6. They are good for digestion and aiding bowel movements. The fibre rich grains are hugely beneficial in alleviating symptoms associated with indigestion and constipation, which in turn is preventative where other health problems pertaining to the digestive system are concerned.
7. They offer a good means of incorporating more nutrients into your diet. Whether you’re going for porridge or granola, oats pair well with fruits such as bananas and most berries, as well as with other nutritious toppings, such as nuts and seeds. In the case of overnight oats, chia seeds are a popular choice. These are easy and effective ways of helping you improve your daily nutrition and overall health and well-being.

In short, oats are good for you and can therefore, be consumed on a regular basis. Please check out the yufeed app for some delicious recipes to help you kickstart your day!