OATS AND OATMEALS
We all are aware of oats and oatmeal. However, most of us are not sure what steel cut oats means. Recent trend revealed that people are slowly understanding the benefits of steel cut oats versus common rolled oats.
There are basically 3 types of oats. Firstly, there is the old-fashioned rolled oats which are whole oats that are rolled flat. Then, there are quick oats which are also rolled oats but they have been ground a little bit which allows them to be cooked faster. Then we have the steel cut oats which are whole raw oats that are cut into smaller pieces.
Health Benefits Of Steel Cut Oats
Steel cut oats are simply whole kernels cut into pieces by steel.
They require 20 minutes of cooking/simmering time.
We all are aware of oats and oatmeal. However, most of us are not sure what steel cut oats means. Recent trend revealed that people are slowly understanding the benefits of steel cut oats versus common rolled oats.
There are basically 3 types of oats. Firstly, there is the old-fashioned rolled oats which are whole oats that are rolled flat. Then, there are quick oats which are also rolled oats but they have been ground a little bit which allows them to be cooked faster. Then we have the steel cut oats which are whole raw oats that are cut into smaller pieces.
Steel cut oats actually look like chopped nuts and have a golden hue. They look like rice when they are cooked and they have a ‘nutty’ flavor. They are definitely chewier as it certainly takes a while to chew each bite. Whole grains are definitely vital for a healthy life. This is when steel cut oats scores as a better alternative to rolled oats. They are rich in B-vitamins, calcium, protein and fiber while low in sodium and unsaturated fat.
One can describe steel cut oats as whole grain groats wherein the inner part of the oat kernel has not been flattened but instead has been cut into more than two pieces. This is the reason why it takes a longer time to digest steel cut oats which makes us feel full over a longer period of time.
Flavor
In choosing what to eat, flavor is often what leads people to one food
or another. One of the advantages of steel cut oats is the chewy texture and
nutty flavor that many people find favorable over regular oatmeal.
Nutritional Value
Steel cut oats are whole grain. Whole grains are known to help reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure, which in turn help to prevent a number of diseases such as Type II Diabetes and heart disease. Steel cut oats contain a great deal of nutrients, including fiber, calcium, protein, magnesium and B-vitamins. They are also low in unsaturated fats and sodium.
Blood Pressure
Sufferers of high blood pressure benefit from adding steel cut oats to their diet. They help to eliminate fat and cholesterol from the body, which in turn lowers blood pressure.
Diabetes
Particularly of use for diabetes patients, steel cut oats have a lower glycerin index than rolled oats, which causes a lower insulin spike after consumption.
Weight Loss
Steel cut oats take longer to digest than rolled oats because the oat groats are cut into several pieces rather than flattened and processed. This enables you to feel full longer, which helps in weight-loss
1. These are what steel cut oats look like. 2 rolled oats
Slow-cooked steel cut oats with almond butter,
brown sugar and
pumpkin butter and sun dried cherries
Steel cut oats with blueberries and pine nuts
Steel cut oats with a raw egg added Steel cut
oats enjoyed with berries,
almonds and any fresh fruit that you like
