Oatmeal-Diet: Friend or Foe ?

An oatmeal diet has become a weight-loss program in itself. It is associated with lowering cholesterol¹ and keeps hunger at bay for hours, preventing the dreaded “snacking between meals”.

However, surprisingly, an oatmeal only diet can have a similar effect on blood glucose levels as a large bar of Snickers or a bowl of jelly beans.³

Here’s why…

Not all varieties of oats are equally nutritious. The fibrous whole form of oats -- groats -- is available as steel-cut or rolled (instant).

Steel cut oats are healthier, nuttier, and require longer time to cook compared to the pre-cooked rolled ones that often have added flavors and sugars, and are meant for instant cooking.

Additives undermine the nourishment provided by oatmeal: vitamins, minerals and other pairing options aren’t numerous, it is common to adulterate it with lashings of sugar, or sugary additives, which spike blood sugar levels.

Aside from the potential nutritional issues, oat bran tends to trigger intestinal gas and bloating  in some people⁴. This can be minimized by beginning with a small quantity and then increasing the portion of serving gradually. However, using oatmeal as the cornerstone of a diet, can cause some unintended olfactory consequences.

Studies have also revealed certain disorders of the digestive tract associated with oatmeal consumption. Intestinal blockage is a potential consequence owing to oatmeal’s tendency to remain in the system.

Further, oatmeal contains more carbs than fiber⁵. Consuming too many carbs results in fat production to store excess calories; this not only affects cholesterol watchers, but also disappoints dieters.

The bottom line is that oatmeal, when eaten correctly, is a great food. The smart approach would be to add only fresh or dried fruits and especially avoid variations containing sugar, butter and syrups.

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