Should you eat oats every day? Know all about its side effects and benefits (2024)

FAQs

Should you eat oats every day? Know all about its side effects and benefits? ›

The Bottom Line

What are side-effects of oats? Oats are a good source of carbohydrates and overeating may lead to an increase in your weight. As it is bland in nature, overconsuming oats may lead to an increase in sugar intake. Opting for an oats-only diet may deprive your body of getting nourishment from other healthy food sources.

The standard serving size of oats is 40 grams, or ½ cup, so eating just one serving of oats per day is enough to potentially ward off diabetes. Lastly, oats are a good source of fiber, which is vital for staying regular and preventing constipation. Fiber intake is also necessary for good gut health.

Cereal products

Higher-fibre options can also provide a slow release of energy. Wheat, oats, barley, rye and rice are commonly available cereals that can be eaten as wholegrains. This means cereal products consisting of oats or oatmeal, such as porridge, and wholewheat products are healthy breakfast options.

Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away. When applied to the skin: Lotion containing oat extract is possibly safe to use on the skin.

The Bottom Line

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Whatever you do, steer clear of the worst offenders: dried fruit with added sugars, like Craisins or dried pineapple. "These are almost always made with added sugar, if not also an artificial sweetener, says Pennsylvania-based RD Gina Consalvo. "Always choose a fresh fruit instead." Need hard proof?

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

Oatmeal Has the Fiber You Want. There's solid evidence that whole grain oats and oat bran can help lower blood cholesterol thanks to the power of beta-glucan – a soluble fiber, largely unique to oats, that basically tells your liver to pull LDL cholesterol out of the blood.

Digestive discomfort

This cross-contamination can lead to adverse reactions in sensitive individuals, such as those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Additionally, the high fiber content in oats can sometimes cause digestive discomfort, including bloating and gas, in some people.

Are oats inflammatory? ›

Oatmeal has anti-Inflammatory properties.

Oats boast 24 phenolic compounds — plant compounds that have antioxidant properties. One antioxidant group called avenanthramides are found almost exclusively in oats and help reduce inflammation and protect against coronary heart disease.

They are low in fermentable sugars, known as FODMAPs. FODMAPs often trigger bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation in some IBS patients. It's important to remember that food sensitivities can vary individually. Overall, oats positively impact IBS symptoms by providing soluble fibre, which helps improve bowel regularity.

Should I eat eggs or oatmeal for breakfast? Both are good choices, in fact you'd do well to have them both. The protein and fat in eggs will help keep you full, just as the fibre in the oats, and the slow-release carbohydrates from the oats will give you steady energy until lunchtime.

Porridge made from rolled oats, steel cut oats etc. is much better for you. Oats are a whole grain and have many proven health benefits. Be careful to avoid 'instant oats', and products with added ingredients such as sugars etc.

Consider adding some the following fibre-rich foods to your diet to help ease constipation: High fibre cereals such as: bran flakes, Weetabix, porridge, muesli and shredded wheat. Whole grains. Try to avoid stodgy foods such as white bread.

Oat milk may cause side effects like gas and bloat. Additionally, it may also interact with medications used for diabetes and may cause the blood sugar levels to go too low.

Although no research directly links eating oatmeal with weight loss, studies have found it to be effective for appetite control. Its ingredients and nutritional content make it an ideal addition to a weight-loss regimen. Those introducing oatmeal to their diet should start slowly and avoid instant and flavored oats.