Many people eat overnight oats for breakfast, and it’s easy to see why. They can be used in many different ways, are full of nutrients, and can be changed to fit personal preferences and health goals.
A market study says overnight oats will slowly become more popular in the U.S. in 2020, and ready-made versions will have made over $11 million in sales. But why buy them when you can easily make them home and have a healthy, fiber-rich breakfast?
In this piece, we will discuss eight good reasons to eat overnight oats every day. This easy and effective meal has many great benefits, including helping you lose weight, improve your stomach, and clear your mind.
Why overnight oats are good for you
1. Helps people control their weight
One great thing about overnight oats is that they can help you keep your weight in check. Because they are high in fiber, oats make you feel full for longer, which makes it less likely that you will overeat during the day.
Oats have a good balance of protein, fiber, and fats that slow digestion and make you feel full, stopping you from wanting to overeat. Research has found that eating foods high in fiber, such as oats, can help you feel less hungry, making it easier to manage your weight.
2. Makes digestion better
Beta-glucan is a type of soluble fiber that helps keep digestion in check. Overnight oats are the whole of it. Beta-glucan turns into a gel-like material in the stomach, which slows the flow of food.
This helps digestion and gets rid of problems like constipation. The fiber in oats also helps keep your gut healthy by feeding good bugs, which makes digestion go more smoothly overall. Eating foods with fiber, like oats, every day can help improve digestion and keep bowel movements regular.
3. Gives you more energy and mental focus
Not only are oats suitable for your gut system, but they are also good for your brain. Overnight oats contain complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly and steadily.
This helps you stay mentally alert throughout the day. Oats give you a steady energy boost without increasing your blood sugar, while refined carbs make you feel tired after eating them. Oats also have magnesium and essential B vitamins, which are both known for helping the brain work and making thinking clearer.
4. Brings down cholesterol levels
Oats for breakfast can also be good for your heart. They contain lots of soluble fiber, which binds to cholesterol in the gut and helps the body get rid of it. This process lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which is very important for preventing heart disease.
Multiple studies have shown that people with lower cholesterol levels eat oats. This makes oats a great choice for anyone who wants to improve their heart health.
5. Helps keep blood pressure in check
Oats left out overnight have also been linked to lower blood pressure. Oats and other high-fiber foods can help your blood vessels work better and improve circulation.
Avenanthramides are a particular type of antioxidant found only in oats. They can help relax blood vessels by making more nitric oxide. This lowers blood pressure, especially in people who are more likely to get high blood pressure. New studies have shown that eating oats regularly can help keep blood pressure levels stable.
6. Helps the immune system
Oats are a great way to help keep your immune system healthy. Beta-glucan in oats does more than just help your body digest food; it also turns on important defense cells like macrophages and neutrophils, which make your body better able to fight off diseases.
Oats also have essential vitamins like zinc and selenium for the defense system to work correctly. Eating oats can help your body fight off sickness and keep you healthy.
7. Keeps Blood Sugar Levels
Oats’ fiber and starches, which break down slowly, help keep blood sugar levels steady. This is very helpful for people with type 2 diabetes or who want to keep their blood sugar levels stable.
Because oats have a lot of fiber, they slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates. This keeps blood sugar from rising too quickly and helps the body release energy slowly. Several studies have shown that oatmeal can lower blood sugar levels after meals much more than foods that are high in refined carbohydrates.
8. Helps Body Take In Nutrients
Lastly, overnight oats are a great way to get a lot of essential nutrients that many people don’t get enough of, like magnesium, fiber, iron, and zinc. These nutrients are very important for keeping bones healthy, making energy, and keeping the defense system working well.
You can also add healthy toppings like chia seeds, flaxseeds, fresh fruit, and nuts to oats to make them more attractive and change the nutritional value even more. You can use these different types to make a breakfast that is tasty and full of healthy nutrients.
What You Need to Do to Make Overnight Oats
It’s straightforward to make overnight oats. Any milk, coconut, or regular milk will work as a base, and you can add any toppings you like. To get started, here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- ⅏ cup of milk (or something plant-based)
- 1/2 tablespoon of chia seeds
- Things you want to put on top, like fresh fruit, nuts, honey, or seeds
Directions:
- Mix the chia seeds, milk, and oats in a bowl or box.
- Cover, stir well, and put in the fridge overnight.
- Remix it in the morning and add your favorite toppings.
Conclusion:
Overnight oats are a healthy, flexible, and easy way to start the day. There’s no doubt that overnight oats are good for you, whether you want to lose weight, improve digestion, or protect your heart.
They are a great option for anyone who wants to start their day in a healthy way because they have lots of fiber and important vitamins and minerals. It’s easy to stick to your health goals when you can prepare them in advance, even on busy mornings.
If you add overnight oats to your routine, you’ll have more energy, better digestion, and a better sense of well-being overall.