5 Worst Things You Can Add to Your Oatmeal (2024)

FAQs

What not to put in oatmeal? ›

Try adding fruit for sweetness, veggies or eggs for a savory twist, or sources of protein and fat to make it a balanced meal. Simultaneously, it's best to steer clear of high sugar toppings like brown sugar, white sugar, candied nuts, and sweetened fruits.

The Bottom Line

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away.

One line of reasoning used to argue oats aren't healthy is that eating them can lead to spikes in blood sugar (glucose). This seems to be linked to the rising use of glucose monitors by people who don't have diabetes.

This amounts to about one cup of cooked oatmeal. Eating a serving of oatmeal regularly is one way to help increase your fiber intake. Fiber has been linked to better digestion, heart health, and weight management. While it's OK to eat a serving of oatmeal every day, it is best to stick to rolled or steel-cut oats.

Oatmeal is a good source of fiber, particularly soluble fiber. As a result, it helps add moisture to the stool, which makes it softer and easier to pass. Other high-fiber foods like fruits, nuts and seeds pair well with oatmeal and could increase the meal's or snack's constipation-relieving benefits.

Oats are high in antioxidants called avenanthramides, not found in other cereal grains. These antioxidants reduce inflammation and relax arteries, improving heart health. The soluble fiber in certain oats can keep blood sugar from rising after a meal.

To follow this 7-day diet, people start off with eating just oatmeal for all three meals of the day for the first two days, followed by eating oatmeal for at least two meals of the day for the next two days. Finally, dieters consume oatmeal for just one meal of the day for the remaining three days.

When eating such foods, you may consider trying over-the-counter gas relief medicines (Beano), which may help breakdown the non-absorbable carbohydrates found in these foods. Walking, jogging, calisthenics and other exercise help to stimulate the passage of gas through the digestive tract.

According to Cardiologist, Dr Wolfson, oats hold no nutritional value and contain anti-nutrient properties. He says, "I never recommend eating oatmeal, certainly not every day as so many people do."

What is the safest oatmeal to eat? ›

Steel-Cut Oats

These are the oat kernels that have had the outer shell removed. Essentially, steel-cut oats are the least processed type, hence taking the longest to cook. "Steel-cut oats aren't rolled or flattened, but they are cut," says Rizzo.

Oats, despite being a complex carbohydrate, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, especially when consumed in large quantities. This can be a concern for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to regulate their blood sugar levels.

“Adding sugar or syrup to an already carbohydrate-rich breakfast can cause it to become imbalanced, as it's high in carbs but low in fat and protein,” says Hultin. Make sure you're using dairy milk, unsweetened nondairy milks, and unsweetened nut butters to restrain added sugar.

According to Healthline.com, oats are a good source of carbs and fiber and are even filled with "important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant plant compounds." When combined with the natural energy found in pure honey, there is no doubt that honey and oats pack a powerful punch when enjoyed together.