Which is Healthier – Steel cut or Rolled or Instant oats?

Oats are cereals extracted from oat plants, with oat groats and oat kernels being healthy choices. Oat kernels have no hulls and can be cooked and eaten, while oat groats require longer cooking and digestion. To avoid these issues, most people prefer steel-cut oats, rolled oats, or instant oats. 

Benefits of steel-cut oats

Steel-cut oats are a type of whole grain that is made from groats that have been cut into two or three pieces. They are a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins. Steel-cut oats have several health benefits, including:

• Heart health: Steel-cut oats contain soluble fiber, cholesterol-lowering properties, and beta-glucan, reducing heart disease risk.
• Blood sugar control: Steel-cut oats are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which release energy slowly into the bloodstream. This can help to keep blood sugar levels stable.
• Digestion: Steel-cut oats are a good source of fiber, which can help to keep the digestive system healthy. They can also help to relieve constipation.
• Weight loss: Steel-cut oats are a filling food that can help you to feel full for longer. This can help you to eat fewer calories throughout the day and lose weight.
• Energy levels: Steel-cut oats are a good source of protein and fiber, which can help to provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Benefits of rolled oats

Instant oats are pre-cooked, dried oatmeal, popular breakfast option, providing fiber, protein, and vitamins.

Here are some of the benefits of eating instant oats:

• Heart health: Instant oats are rich in soluble fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol levels. They also contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Blood sugar control: Instant oats are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which release energy slowly into the bloodstream. This can help to keep blood sugar levels stable.
• Digestion: Instant oats are a good source of fiber, which can help to keep the digestive system healthy. They can also help to relieve constipation.
• Weight loss: Instant oats are a filling food that can help you to feel full for longer. This can help you to eat fewer calories throughout the day and lose weight.
• Energy levels: Instant oats are a good source of protein and fiber, which can help to provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Health benefits of eating oats

Consuming oatmeal provides you with a balanced diet. The cereal is packed with significant proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Regular consumption of oats helps reduce your blood sugar level and lowers cholesterol. 

Oats play a vital role in protecting the LDL (Low Definition Lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol from oxidation. The oxidation of LDL produces inflammation in arteries and can increase the risk of heart disease.

According to studies, early introduction of oats to kids reduces the risk of developing childhood asthma.

Oats are enriched with beta-glucan, a kind of soluble fiber. This fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like layer in your stomach. Thus, oats help in increasing the gut bacteria which are essential for digestion.