Grains are a Double Edged Sword – Oatmeal

by Laurie Warren, Nutritionist, Warren Wellness

Sword edge #1 is that eight cereal grains provide over 55% of the calories consumed on earth; without these crops, our planet would not likely support over six billion people.  Cereal grains, quite literally, stand between humankind and its starvation, due to an overpopulated planet.  Sword edge #2 is that grains are a nutritional compromise.  They are not nearly as healthy, nor as nutritionally complete, NOR perfectly suited to our ancient digestive wiring, as the foods that they have replaced (foods that could be hunted, fished for, gathered, or plucked).  I could go on (and on and on and on), but shan’t, and shall instead simply say that the food pyramid is upside down!  Now, with that intro, on to oatmeal…

Oats are a great source of fiber (5 g per 2/3 cup serving) AND are a nice mix of bothhttp://www.healingplacemedfield.com/wp-admin/post-new.php soluble (55%) and insoluble (45%) fiber.  And, the soluble fiber in oats, beta-glucan, has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.  It also enhances the body’s immune system, which is a good take in the winter, when our immune system tends to meet more challenges.  Oatmeal, for a grain, has a very low glycemic load, meaning it has a modest effect on blood sugar, making it okay for diabetics.  Hurray for oats!

But wait, that’s not all!  Oats have more protein than any popular cereal (8.5 g in 2/3 cup serving) and contain avenanthramide (don’t ask me to say that out loud), a polyphenol antioxidant unique to oats and believed to have anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties.  And, oats are an excellent source of the minerals manganese, selenium, and phosphorus; and a good source of magnesium, iron, and vitamin B1.

So, cook up some oats this winter for breakfast or a snack!  But steer clear of the packs and instant oatmeal…too over-sugared and over-processed.  Stick to steel-cut oats, or rolled oats that are old-fashioned and thick (less processed).  AND, it’s fine to eat oats raw or with limited cooking time!

Helen Chin Lui is a certified Reflexologist, certified Energy Medicine and Reiki practitioner. She is the founder and owner of the Healing Place in Medfield. She specializes in helping clients with chronic digestive disorders and chronic pain. For your free report “Proven Alternative Ways to Heal Chronic Digestive Problems: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know Can Keep You from Healing”

If you would like to schedule a free 60-minute consultation or make an appointment, please call 508 359 6463 or  for more information about services visit the Healing Place’s website at www.healingplacemedfield.com