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.
(Related: Every Oatmeal in America in 2021—Ranked .) In order to learn more about the healthiest oatmeal, we talked with Gena Hamshaw, RD registered dietitian and author of The Full Helping. And according to Hamshaw, the #1 best oatmeal to eat is sprouted rolled oats.
It’s true: Not all oats are created equal. You’ll read steel cut are filled with fiber, metabolism-boosting folate, and muscle-friendly phosphorous, but does that ring true for rolled and instant?
Another inquiry we ran across in our research was “What are the health benefits of an oats diet?”.
Oats are a healthy diet staple for many good reasons — they’re affordable, endlessly customizable and packed with nutrients like healthy carbs and fiber. They’re also a great option when you’re trying to lose weight, so you should incorporate them into your weight-loss diet at least a few times a week.
Are oat groats healthy?
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!
Which oats are good for weight loss?
Oatmeal can help with weight loss because it contains soluble fiber, which can keep you feeling full. Steel-cut or rolled oats are the most nutritious and filling form of oatmeal to add to your diet. Avoid processed or instant oatmeal and don’t add too much sugar to your oats for the most health benefits . Visit Insider’s Health Reference library for more advice.
If you’re trying to shed pounds, Davidson recommends opting for rolled or steel cut oats, which she says “are less processed, higher in fiber, and lower in sugar” than other kinds of oatmeal, like instant brands. RELATED: Sign up for the Eat This, Not That! Newsletter for nutrition news you need each day. Pay attention to the serving size.
Is oatmeal a whole grains?
It’s no secret that oatmeal is part of a healthy and balanced diet. However, of all the healthy whole grains out there, oatmeal seems to be one of the most complex. From steel-cut oats to old-fashioned rolled oats to whole oat groats, there’s a plethora of oats to choose from on grocery store shelves.
Do oats help you lose belly fat?
Several have demonstrated that eating oats ( Avena sativa ) long-term really can help you to lose weight and belly fat but more on those studies later. Oats are a great source of dietary fiber which not only helps improve your digestive system but may also reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
The favorite answer is Instead of flavoring your oatmeal with sugar, top your oats with healthy mix-ins that help you lose weight. While you might be tempted to sweeten your oats with “healthy” sugars like maple syrup, honey or agave, these sweeteners all count as added sugar and offer little nutritional value.