Instant oats, as are often found in single-serving packets and “cups” of oats from a deli shelf, dissolve in hot water with zero cooking. Rolled oats are lightly toasted husked grains (meaning the bran has been removed), which makes them slightly lower in fiber than steel-cut oats.
Are all oats created equal? While steel-cut oats and rolled oats are generally viewed as some of the most nutritious oats, instant oatmeal is more divisive. While instant oats are the saving grace of a hectic, time-crunched morning, they’re also more processed.
Oats are a good natural source of melatonin, which is often taken as a sleep aid due to its ability to help regulate the body’s internal clock. They are also another good source of tryptophan, especially when combined with milk.
What is the healthiest instant oatmeal to buy?
To help you navigate the oats aisle more easily, here are five of the healthiest instant oatmeals you can buy. Bob’s Red Mill Classic Oatmeal Cup At this point, Bob’s Red Mill makes pretty much any grain or baking ingredient you can think of, so this includes a lot of oatmeal options.
One source claimed honestly, not, all oats are healthy. But if you want to get technical, Oat Groats remain the healthiest because they’re the purest form of the whole oat you can eat. They’re the least processed and contain the most nutrition. But don’t get so hung up on the type that you lose out on all the benefits oats provide!
To find the truth, we analyzed the nutrition facts of four common types of oatmeal, all of which are depicted below— whole oat groats (top left), steel-cut oats (top right), rolled oats (bottom left), and instant oats (bottom right) .
Can oats help you sleep?
Oats are also high in stress-reducing B6 and melatonin, another natural sleep aid. If you really want to amp up the sleep-inducing power of your oatmeal, be sure to make it with milk and bananas.
Both of these properties may help you get a good night’s sleep ( 14, 67 ). Oatmeal: Similar to rice, oatmeal is high in carbs with a bit more fiber and has been reported to induce drowsiness when consumed before bed.
Oatmeal: Similar to rice, oatmeal is high in carbs with a bit more fiber and has been reported to induce drowsiness when consumed before bed. Additionally, oats are a known source of melatonin ( 13 ). Other foods and drinks, such as dairy products, bananas, and oatmeal, also contain nutrients known to improve sleep quality.
What is the best thing to eat to help you sleep?
Bananas: Bananas contain tryptophan and are a good source of magnesium. Both of these properties may help you get a good night’s sleep ( 19, 71 ). Oatmeal: Similar to rice, oatmeal is high in carbs and has been reported to induce drowsiness when consumed before bed.