Doctor reveals why we should stop eatting porridge for breakfast (2024)
As the cold crisp mornings approach, many of us will have already started craving that warm cosy bowl of oats. A humble, no-nonsense breakfast you would think. Well, a cardiologist has gone viral on TikTok for his rather passionate dismissal of the beloved brekkie.
Whether you enjoy them at their most basic with a little honey on or choose to opt for overnight oats, it's hard to find fault with a bowl of oats. They're most likely a staple in your diet, especially in the autumn and wintertime.
How, then, can something so simple be bad for us? 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."
You may be thinking, how can this be true? Well, we spoke to nutritionists to see if they agreed with Dr Wolfson and if they think his opinion on oats is one worth listening to.
In the TikTok video, Dr Wolfson explains his reasoning for not recommending oatmeal. He says, "Our ancestors did not eat oatmeal, neither should you... On what planet would people be living on to believe that oatmeal, which has no nutritional value and actually contains lots of anti-nutrients would be better than eating a pasture raised egg."
He finishes his anti-oatmeal video by declaring, "You can't raise a healthy human on oatmeal." A very strong statement and one many users in the comments strongly disagreed with. "I’ve been eating oatmeal every day for 3 years, I’m in great shape," says one user.
Despite Dr Wolfson's medical credentials, most who have responded to his video are sceptical to believe his claims about this breakfast favourite. Speaking to registered nutritionist Sophie Trotman, she's quick to debunk his statements and highlights the many benefits of eating oats in the morning.
"Saying that oats have no nutritional value is incorrect and ridiculous. Oats are naturally rich in fibre, particularly beta-glucans, which can assist in reducing bad cholesterol levels and promoting gut health," Trotman says.
As Trotman points out, there are proven health benefits to enjoying a bowl of oats and they're certainly not void of nutrients. On the contrary, oats are present with essential vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, iron, and zinc.
"It is important to be mindful of the quantity of oats consumed and to ensure that you balance the carbohydrates in the oats through the addition of protein and even some healthy fats," continues Trotman. "Pairing carbs with protein and healthy fats reduces their impact on your blood sugar levels. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels means more stable energy, mood and less sugary cravings."
To still get your porridge fix each morning there are some easy ways to achieve this stable energy output in a tasty way. Trotman recommends starting with a base of organic oats, to avoid any pesticides, then adding some high-quality protein powder or full-fat Greek yoghurt to your oats once they're cooked.
It's not just healthier than sugary cereals, porridge (and other wholegrains) could also help to protect against health issues. A long-term study, which investigated the causes of cardiovascular disease, linked eating wholegrains like porridge oats to a reduced risk of heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
"Whole grains such as wheat and oats contain high fiber, glucose, and starch," says Shannon Henry, RD, at EZCare Clinic. "All of them are consumed by bacteria in the gut or large intestine, which leads to gas and bloating in a few people.
Surprisingly, oatmeal is a type of porridge. Though all oatmeal is considered porridge, the term porridge does not always refer to oatmeal. Still, the two words are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Unlike porridge, oatmeal is always made from rolled, ground, or flattened oats.
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.
There are 3 superfoods in particular that he says you should never eat: goji berries, chia seeds and wheat grass. The problem is that some so-called superfoods also contain lectins, those pesky plant proteins that can cause inflammation and set the stage for a variety of diseases, as well as weight gain.
Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect. As a breakfast food and mid-meal snack, oatmeal is potentially a better option than the majority of foods available in the market.
“My go-to is really oatmeal,” Freeman says. “In general, I recommend oatmeal as the best option.” He advises a small cup of oatmeal made with water, not milk or butter, and loaded high with berries, plus additional heart-healthy ingredients such as ground flax seed or a few walnuts.
The Verdict. In this scenario, eggs on toast is the breakfast winner due to their protein and complex carb double whammy - it's especially good if you're trying to keep yourself full till lunch. Don't ditch the porridge straight away though, add some greek yoghurt, nut butter and/or seeds for an added protein punch.
A 2021 systematic review published in the Journal of Nutrition found a link between oat consumption and increasing beneficial bacterial groups within one's gut, making it a gut-friendly and heart-healthy breakfast.
Eggs are also a great source of heart-healthy nutrients like potassium, folate and B vitamins. Some research suggests that up to two eggs per day actually improves heart health. As with anything, moderation is important, especially if you enjoy eggs daily.
It is known as simply "porridge" or, more commonly in the United States and Canada, "oatmeal". In the US, oat and wheat porridge can both be called "hot cereal".
Because steel-cut oats are less processed, they are healthier than rolled oats. However, that difference is only slight. The biggest threat to your oats' nutritional value lies in what is added to them. Instant oats, for example, can be loaded with sugar, salt, and preservatives.
Oatmeal has more fiber and protein, grits have more iron and B vitamins. However, oatmeal has a lower glycemic index. So for blood sugar control, oatmeal could be a better option. But when balanced right, both oatmeal and grits can fit into a healthy diet.
Lectins are reduced by cooking and further reduced by soaking and then cooking. Soaking is simple to do, place the desired amount of oatmeal into a cooking pot 10-12 hours before you plan on preparing the oatmeal. Cover it with water, and add a little lemon juice or vinegar to reduce phytic acid (another gut irritant).
Oats are a prebiotic food and the beta-glucan fiber helps feed the good bacteria. The fiber helps to keep you full for hours by slowing down digestion AND contributes to keeping bowel movements regular. A healthy gut decreases the risk for disease and inflammation.
Yes, oats and oatmeal are high in lectins. But don't worry, there are plenty of delicious lectin-free alternatives to oatmeal. You can make porridge with millet, sorghum, teff, and fonio. All these are nutritious ancient grains that are lectin-free and gluten-free, making a comeback.
Introduction: My name is Corie Satterfield, I am a fancy, perfect, spotless, quaint, fantastic, funny, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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