OATMEAL
Cereal grains contain both water soluble and water-insoluble fiber. The insoluble fiber is basically indigestible "roughage", needed at the very least for good bowel movements and healthful colon functioning.
Oats contain both types of fiber, but it is the beta glucan in oats that is primarily responsible for oats' cholesterol-lowering benefits.
More than 40 studies spanning over 30 years verify the most well-documented benefit of oat consumption - its effectiveness in lowering blood cholesterol. And just a daily serving of 1-1/2 cups cooked oatmeal is enough to help remove cholesterol. Being good to your body has never been easier - or more delicious!
Oats lower LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) blood cholesterol levels. HDL (the "good" cholesterol) cholesterol is not affected. A number of studies have actually found an increase HDL cholesterol with oat consumption. That's one smart grain! Though most of its cholesterol-lowering power comes from soluble fiber, other components of oats - such as the protein and natural antioxidants - also contribute to its phenomenal effectiveness in reducing blood cholesterol.
In the Nurses' Health Study, it was found that by eating cold breakfast cereal five or more times a week, you can lower your risk of heart disease by 19%. That's great, but get ready for this: those who ate the same amount of oatmeal reduced their risk by an astounding 29%!
And even better, herbalists claim that a nutrient called avena sativa found in oats can improve a flagging libido. This ingredient is supposed to offer a mild aphrodisiac effect.
Of course, sexual function will only benefit from lowered levels of cholesterol clogging your system.
Oatmeal Recipes Link
Click HERE for a host of recipes for breakfast, dinner, snacks and bread and muffins, courtesy of Quaker Oats.
What you'll notice is that oats makes a great base for many meals (just like rice), and all you need to do is add your choice of ingredients to move the flavor in any direction that suites your palate. YOu can even add uncooked oats to your morning blended drink.
