Why Oats Make For An Ideal Breakfast Food
Oats are, without a doubt, the most comforting cold-weather breakfast food you could indulge in. Whether you like them savory or sweet, there is nothing better than a steaming, creamy bowl of hot oats on a winter morning to give you a much-needed food hug. You can spice them up and eat them with poached eggs and sausages or turn them into a sugary pick-me-up glazed with brown sugar, candied nuts, and fruit. Obviously how you dress up your breakfast affects how nutritious it will be, but no matter what, if you dive into a bowl of oats, you'll come out feeling full and satisfied.
But, we weren't the first people to realize how absolutely wonderful oats were, as they were grown in Asia Minor for centuries prior to making them westward, according to the History of Cereals. But, they truly become popular during the 15th century in Scotland, where oats were made into porridge, brose, gruel, and Scotland's national dish: haggis. Since then, oats have been widely appreciated for their nutritional benefits and their vast uses as an adaptable ingredient.
The king of breakfasts
What really makes oats so special? Why should we be lauding them as the ultimate breakfast grain? Well, Healthline says it best when they describe oats (Avena sativa) as one of the most nutrient-dense foods you could possibly indulge in. This particular grain is reportedly chocked full of carbs, fibers, high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. That in and of itself should encourage you to start browsing your local marketplace for some oats.
Breakfast, as we all know, is the most important meal of the day, and to help keep us from burning out we should eat food that is unprocessed as possible with lots of proteins and complex carbohydrates that provide fiber and help you feel full (via the University of Washington). Oats have all of these aspects and more which make them the perfect breakfast food.
Additionally, Harvard's School of Public Health claims that though there are some nutritional differences between steel-cut, rolled, and instant oatmeal, ultimately, oats in almost any form are good for you so long as you don't load a bunch of additives on top. Oats are also naturally gluten-free, so individuals with that dietary restriction can also reap the benefits of this breakfast bombshell, just always be on the safe side and check if your oats could have been cross-contaminated with glutinous substances before indulging.