Oats—The Bodybuilding Food

Hey guys

I'm sure you, like many others, have asked about the benefits of eating oats. You see it all the time on television and in ads...we should be eating oats. But what are the benefits? According to Yahoo! Answers, the reasons are very compelling...

1. Over 40 studies show that eating oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to Quaker, all it takes is 3/4 cup of oatmeal each day to help lower cholesterol. The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or 'bad' cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs. In January 1997, the Food and Drug Administration announced that oatmeal could carry a label claiming it may reduce the risk of heart disease when combined with a low-fat diet.
   
   
2. The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a considerable amount of water which significantly slows down your digestive process. This result is that you'll feel full longer, i.e. oatmeal can help you control your weight.
   
   
3. You probably already have oats in your kitchen. It's estimated that eighty percent of U.S. households currently have oats in their cupboards.
   
   
4. New research suggests that eating oatmeal may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association already recommends that people with diabetes eat grains like oats. The soluble fiber in these foods help to control blood glucose levels.
   
   
5. With the exception of certain flavored varieties, the oats found in your grocery store are 100% natural. If you look at the ingredients on a canister of rolled oats, you will usually see only one ingredient... rolled oats.
   
   
6. According to recent studies, a diet that includes oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure. The reduction is linked to the increase in soluble fiber provided by oatmeal. Oats contain more soluble fiber than whole wheat, rice or corn.
   
   
7. Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and the most important at all is that it doesn't spike your insulin level.
   
[Source: Yahoo! Answers]

Now, this is why I consider oats a good bodybuilding food. Don't be afraid of it and have it at least twice a day. You too can reap the benefits! And in the coming issues of REPS Magazine and Inside Fitness Magazine, you'll find my oats recipes. Check it out!

Thank you

Alejandro
New York Muscle™