Eating oatmeal for two days has unexpected impact on heart health, study suggests
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- A University of Bonn study found that consuming a calorie-reduced oatmeal diet for just two days significantly lowered LDL ("bad") cholesterol by 10% in adults with metabolic syndrome, with effects remaining stable after six weeks.
- Participants on the oat diet also experienced an average weight loss of two kilograms and a slight reduction in blood pressure, benefits attributed to changes in gut microorganisms.
- Experts note that oats contain prebiotic fiber that supports beneficial gut bacteria, aiding cholesterol reduction, but caution that diabetics should monitor carbohydrate intake due to oats' high starch content.
- Registered dietitians recommend consuming oats in forms like steel-cut or rolled oats without added high-glycemic sugars, and balancing meals with protein sources such as seeds, protein powder
