Oatmeal is a versatile breakfast option. No matter whether you are looking for something healthy and satiating to sail through a busy work morning, or good-for-you carbs to fuel you before a hard workout, gluten free oatmeal has you covered. If you pay attention to keeping the added sugars at bay, oatmeal is one of the healthiest meals to begin your day with.

All you need is ten minutes to have a healthy and tasty one. Doctors and nutritionists have often recommended oatmeal as the ideal breakfast dish. Read on to know its many health benefits below.

1. Oats Help You Get Going

Oats contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. While soluble fiber forms a viscous gel, which helps in lowering cholesterol and stabilizing the blood glucose levels, the insoluble fiber adds bulk to the bowel, providing a moving experience that curtails constipation and improves intestinal health. Essentially, gluten free oatmeal is great for lowering cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar.

2. Oats Can Protect Your Heart and Colon

Antioxidants belonging to the group of avenanthramides are found exclusively in oats. This group of antioxidants have exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-itching activity, and may play a role in conferring additional protection against coronary heart disease, colon cancer, and skin irritation. Avenanthramides may also play a role in controlling blood pressure.

3. Oats Make for a Balanced Breakfast

Did you know that a cup of cooked oatmeal contains nearly 150 calories, four grams of fiber (half of which is soluble and half insoluble), and six grams of protein. If that doesn’t look enough, one can certainly boost the protein content. Simply add a swirl of almond butter. The resultant combination is sure to keep you away from that vending machine, along with keeping you energized throughout the day.

4. Oats Are Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Nutrient-rich, gluten free oatmeal contains a bunch of essential amino acids, which are essentially the building blocks of proteins. Some of the amino acids abundantly present in oatmeal include thiamine, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, selenium, and iron.

5. Oats Are Gluten-Free

While oats are naturally free of gluten, read the label to ensure that the manufacturers have not added ingredients or used the same equipment as other potentially contaminating grains.

6. Oats May Help You Control Your Weight

By making you feel fuller for longer, oats helping you control your weight. Carbs are looked at as villains and often completely shunned and feared by those looking to drop a few pounds. However, whole grains can curb hunger and simultaneously whilst satiating the tough-to-beat craving of carbs. Although, as is applicable for any other food group, one must be mindful of portion sizes.

7. Oats Can Be Savory

Although typically paired with sweet foods like brown sugar and cinnamon or fruit, oats make a perfect savory side dish. The bland taste of oats acts as a blank canvas. Add the seasoning and spices of your choice and combine the buckwheat-like texture; you have a winner! You can combine gluten free oatmeal with your favorite veggies or last night’s leftovers, and top with an egg or a sprinkle of cheese to enjoy breakfast for dinner.

In addition to the undeniable benefits listed above, oatmeal is known to promote healthy skin. It is also effective in treating inflammatory conditions, like irritation or eczema. Oatmeal contains zinc, which plays a critical role in detoxifying and rejuvenating your skin.

Furthermore, oats are rich in manganese, which helps in reducing swelling and healing wounds by catalyzing the process of skin cells renewal. Oatmeal is also packed with a whole lot of iron, which is good for your blood flow, and for a healthy hemoglobin level.