Can you eat oatmeal cold?

In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “Can you eat oatmeal cold?”. We will also elaborate on the nutrition, and health benefits of eating oatmeal, and different ways to prepare oatmeal.

Can you eat oatmeal cold?

Yes, you can eat oatmeal cold. Oatmeal is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed in different recipes either hot or cold. 

Oatmeal is liked by many people in their breakfast. It is a preparation of oats that have been dehusked, steamed and flattened. 

What do you need to make oatmeal?

You’ll need only four things to prepare oatmeal; these include rolled or old fashioned oats, milk, water, and a pinch of salt. 

There are three kinds of oats out there.

Quick Oats: These are finer oats that can be cooked in a short time. You can add them in your oatmeal, but generally they’re not much preferred, as they are more processed and only save you a minute of cooking time.

Steel Cut Oats: These are whole oats that have not been rolled or processed. These take the most time to prepare, requiring at least twenty mins on a stove. 

Old Fashioned or Rolled Oats: Old fashioned or rolled oats are quite similar to quick oats and steel cut oats. But the rolled oats have been lightly rolled, making them more processed. Because these oats are thicker than quick oats, they take longer to cook. 

Below we have shared a recipe to enjoy cold oatmeal, have a look at it.

How to make cold oatmeal with grated apples and almonds?

Follow this recipe to make cold oatmeal with grated apples and almonds:

Ingredients 

  • 85 g uncooked rolled oats
  • 3 oz. 2% milk
  • 3 oz. non-fat plain yogurt
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 4.5 oz. cup orange juice
  • 85 g cup chopped almonds
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • One and a half cups peeled and grated red apples
  • Three cups mixed berries 

Instructions

 

  1. In a large container, mix oats, milk, yogurt and vanilla. 
  2. Keep them for 5 mins to allow the oats to soften.
  3. In a small container, add orange juice, almonds and honey. 
  4. Grate the apple and directly add to the orange juice mix. 
  5. Mix remaining berries. Swirl into the yogurt mixture to blend well. Serve cold.

What is the nutritional profile of oatmeal?

Oatmeal is highly nutritious because it is obtained from plants, due to which their fiber and protein-based nature are highly recommendable. 

They also cover many other nutrients as well. A one-cup serving of oatmeal consists of:

  • Total calories: 307 
  • Fiber: 8 grams
  • Fat: 5 grams
  • Carbs: 55 grams
  • Protein: 11 grams
  • Selenium: 43 per cent of the daily value (DV)
  • Potassium: 6 percent of the DV
  • Magnesium: 27 per cent of the DV
  • Zinc: 27 per cent of the DV

In addition to these nutrients, oatmeal is also enriched with many other nutrients such as fiber. Fiber is one of the healthy parts of our diet that makes a gel-like material when it is degraded in the body. One of the most beneficial types of fiber is the beta-glucan that has various health benefits.

What are the health benefits of oatmeal?

Oatmeal is enriched with various healthy compounds that promote body functioning. Some of these health benefits are:

It plays a significant role in lowering the cholesterol

The beta-glucan part of oatmeal, which is a highly soluble fiber, is accountable for lowering the level of cholesterol. 

In your small intestine, beta-glucan works by producing a gel. This gel inhibits the absorption of dietary cholesterol and the reabsorption of bile salts, both of which are necessary for fat metabolism.

May promote blood sugar control

Because of its potential to produce a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, beta-glucan has been proven to help manage blood sugar.

The gel reduces the rate at which your stomach excretes its content and metabolizes carbohydrates, which is linked to lower blood sugar levels and more stable insulin production after meals.

May help in improving the heart health

High blood pressure is a major risk for heart diseases that are also responsible for a higher death rate.

Oatmeal consists of beta-glucan, a solubilized fibrous material that helps in lowering the blood pressure.

What are the side effects of eating oatmeal?

Oatmeal consists of phytic acid– an antinutrient that binds with other minerals such as zinc, iron, making it difficult for these minerals to be absorbed in the body. This could lead to a mineral deficiency. 

Conclusion 

In this brief guide, we have provided an answer to the question “Can you eat oatmeal cold?”. We have also elaborated on the nutrition, and health benefits of eating oatmeal, and different ways to prepare oatmeal.

References

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/raw-oats#downsides

https://www.thepauperedchef.com/article/the-problem-with-oatmeal-and-how-to-eat-it-cold

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