Oatmeal, oatmeal flakes or instant oatmeal: which is healthiest?

Oatmeal, oatmeal flakes or instant oatmeal: which is healthiest?

HomeCooking Tips, RecipesOatmeal, oatmeal flakes or instant oatmeal: which is healthiest?

When you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast oatmeal might be the first thing that comes to mind. But how do you know which type is best?

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Channel Avatar Mike Roussell, PhD2013-08-16 11:00:12 Thumbnail
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Ask Dr. Mike: Steel Cut vs. Oat Flakes

The oatmeal aisle at your local grocery store is likely filled with a variety of options: steel-cut oats rolled oats low-calorie low-sugar instant oats plain and so on. However having so many options can seem overwhelming and you may wonder if oatmeal is still healthy if it’s more processed and has added sugar.

In general oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate packed with beneficial fiber. “Complex carbs take longer to digest than simple carbs which means they keep you fuller longer” says Natalie Rizzo MS RD a registered dietitian and the founder of Greenletes.

Meredith Price RD a registered plant-based dietitian adds that the high fiber content of these whole grains can help lower cholesterol regulate blood sugar levels keep your digestive tract healthy and even aid in weight loss. "Oats are also a great source of plant-based protein and iron" Price says.