The #1 Best Carb to Eat, Says Dietitian

As low-carb and ketogenic diets continue to increase in popularity, carbohydrates are getting an increasingly bad rap. And while it's true that some carbs—we're looking at you, refined sugar and white flour—may not be doing much for your overall wellbeing, that doesn't mean you have to cut carbohydrates out of your diet entirely in a bid for better health.

According to Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, there's one clear standout when it comes to the best carb for your health: oatmeal.

"Oatmeal is a whole grain carbohydrate full of fiber, B vitamins, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. It also provides the consumer with a moderate amount of protein while being low in fat. These nutrient qualities make oatmeal a carbohydrate that is actually beneficial for health," says Best.

"The vitamins and minerals boost the nutrient density of this carb versus others, and it's a great way to get in minerals that are commonly lacking in processed foods," Best adds.

What are the health benefits of eating oatmeal?

If you want to boost your whole-body wellness, oatmeal is a great choice, improving everything from your gut health to your cardiovascular wellness.

"The fiber helps to reduce cholesterol and keep the good gut bacteria fed and in balance," explains Best.

Additionally, Best notes that oatmeal can improve heart health. In fact, a 2012 study published in Nutrition Journal found that, among a group of adults with high cholesterol, oat consumption for six weeks reduced LDL or "bad" cholesterol, improved waist-to-hip ratio, and did not significantly affect HDL, or "good" cholesterol, which decreased among members of a control group.

"Instant oatmeal consumed daily for 6 weeks significantly increased fiber intake and decreased major risk factors for [cardiovascular disease]," the study's authors explained.

Can oatmeal increase weight loss?

If you're looking for a great addition to your weight loss plan, oatmeal is a great choice.

"Oatmeal is known to stabilize blood sugar and aid in weight loss by keeping the consumer full for longer post-meal," explains Best.

According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, study subjects who ate oatmeal experienced greater satiety and reduced their overall caloric intake as compared to a group who ate a calorically similar portion of oat-based breakfast cereal.

What kind of oatmeal should I avoid?

oatmeal fruits seeds

While plain oatmeal can be a healthy choice for your diet, not every type of oatmeal at your local grocery store is created equal when it comes to your health.

"It is important to note that some prepackaged, flavored oatmeal includes added sugar, artificial colors, and fillers that lower its health quality," says Best. "When opting for oats, it is best to use unflavored oats and add your own toppings and mix-ins like nuts, fruit, and natural sweeteners."

For some ideas for what to add to your oatmeal, try these 11 Healthy Oatmeal Toppings That Help You Lose Weight, and for the latest healthy eating news delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter!

These 5 Grocery Items Are Cheaper Than Ever Right Now

The grocery industry has been facing major disruptions. The combined effects of the pandemic, climate change, and economic uncertainty over the past couple of years have culminated in a series of supply chain breakdowns. For the consumer, this means supply shortages , shipping delays , and temporary store closures are becoming more commonplace – and all of the added production cost to suppliers is driving up food prices . The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index report for January 2022 was released on Feb. 9, and it tells the story of cost trends for every spending category over the past year. Now the numbers are in, and since January 2021, "food at home" spending has increased 7.4%. Consumers should use this number as a benchmark, Phil Lempert, the consumer behavior analyst and founder behind Supermarket Guru , told Eat This, Not That! "Anything that's substantially less [than the 7.4% increase] is a deal," said Lempert. "When you

When Should I Take Creatine?

Creatine is probably the most well-researched supplement on the market today. Numerous studies have found positive adaptations in strength, power and muscle mass thanks to creatine supplementation—especially when it's combined with resistance training. Although the benefits of creatine are well-known to lifters, the best time to take it isn't common knowledge. Which leads us to some important questions: Does an optimal time for consuming creatine exist? If it does, should you take it before or after your workout? According to a new study published in the Journal of Exercise and Nutrition, the timing of creatine ingestion does indeed play a role in getting bigger and stronger. Creatine supplementation before resistance training increases muscular strength and lean muscle mass. Interestingly, taking creatine immediately after lifting weights results in greater muscle growth than taking it immediately before. However, in terms of strength gains, no difference betw

One Major Side Effect of Taking Viagra, Study Says

Viagra, containing the drug sildenafil, is one of the most talked-about prescription medications on the planet. Patented in 1996 and hitting the market in 1998, its primary purpose is to help men achieve an erection. "Viagra is indicated for erectile dysfunction, pulmonary artery hypertension, and off label for Reynauds," Dr. Darren Mareiniss, MD, FACEP , Emergency Medicine Physician at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, explains to Eat This, Not That! Health . "If you don't have one of these issues, probably should not take it." According to the National Institutes of Health , the drug, available as a tablet or liquid suspension, should be taken anywhere from four hours to 30 minutes prior to sexual activity. "Sildenafil usually should not be taken more than once every 24 hours," they note. So what can happen if you take viagra daily? Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You Have "L

Weight Loss Tricks

Search This Blog