My kids will tell you that family eats a lot of oatmeal. I purchase it in 25 pound bags at a bulk club store because it is so inexpensive. Since we are eating so much of it, I decided it was high time that I find out how oatmeal is contributing to our health.

Insoluble fiber

Insoluble fiber is one of the key components of oatmeal. It helps keep people regular. Staying regular prevents colon cancer and constipation. Insoluble fiber neutralizes the acid found in bile. This type of fiber does not break down before being removed from our bodies, and thus does not enter our blood stream to be burned as energy later.

Soluble fiber

Soluble fiber prevents the absorption of cholesterol by forming a gel and trapping LDL cholesterol (bad) producing chemicals. This fiber helps us to feel full longer because it takes longer to digest. This may be particularly helpful for diabetics because they are less likely to experience blood-sugar spikes.

Phytochemicals

I am familiar with phytochemicals under the name of antioxidants or flavonoids. Many studies have been, or are still underway, to prove that phytochemicals reduce cancer and heart disease rates. It is believed to prevent carcinogens from being absorbed

Other nutrients

• Oatmeal contains vitamin B, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium as well as protein.
• Vitamin B is great for the memory. It actually helps us to stay awake and alert throughout the day if we consume it regularly.
• Vitamin E's benefits are still controversial. It was thought that it would help with blood-sugar control, increase life expectancy, and prevent strokes. It is a antioxidant that prevents growth of free-radicals in tissue, an enzyme regulator, and prevents artery hardening.
• Zinc helps the immune system run efficiently, helps with acne and other skin disorders, energy metabolism, and the body's ability to heal itself. It is also beneficial for weight loss (I love that!) and may help people who have night vision issues.
• Selenium also helps with heart and blood vessel problems such as atherosclerosis. It may prevent certain cancers such as skin, stomach, lung and prostate cancers.
• Copper helps us to use the iron in our diets, heart maintenance, thyroid glands and more.
• Iron is absorbed on an as-needed basis such as when a woman is pregnant or a child's brain is developing. We need it for brain function and development, creation of hemoglobin, maintaining body temperature, and muscle activity. If we do not have enough iron, our immune system will not function properly.
• Manganese helps bones, connective tissue, sex hormones, and blood clotting to develop and function. We also need it to maintain our brain's function.
• Magnesium, not to be confused with maganese, helps us to absorb calcium and assists with tooth and bone density.
• Lastly, protein helps with tissue repair when injured. Protein prevents fatigue when consumed with carbohydrates and assists the immune system.

That is a LONG list of health benefits just from one, very inexpensive grain. Many recipes can be adapted to use oats. For instance, in a recipe that calls for bread crumbs, try substituting them with oatmeal. Not only will it add variation to your recipes, the change will be beneficial.