Forget the mass prescription of statins to reduce harmful cholesterol. According to Chris Seal, professor of nutrition and human nutrition at the University of Newcastle, a plate of oatmeal porridge is even better than statins.
Health benefits oatmeal porridge
It is known that oatmeal porridge has many references that contribute to good health; it is low in fat, low in sugar, high in fiber, minerals (manganese, iron and copper) and B vitamins. But the big advantage of oatmeal porridge is its high beta glucan content. Beta glucan is a soluble fiber that forms a thick “gel” in the stomach, which reduces appetite after eating, while lowering the absorption or lipoprotein with low density (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol.
Beta glucan
Professor Seal says that, according to studies, eating 3 grams of beta glucan per day (equivalent to about 70 grams of oatmeal) can lower levels of LDL cholesterol by about 7%. Beta glucan also forms acids, including butyric acid, which acts on the DNA of cells in the colon and causes an anti-cancer effect. The beta glucan in oatmeal porridge stimulates the excretion of bile salts made from cholesterol. So the more cholesterol is used to produce bile salts, the less cholesterol is found in the bloodstream.
Professor Seal:
“I believe that if everyone started the day with porridge, it would have a significant impact on public health.”
Better than statins
Research shows that the cholesterol-lowering powers of beta glucan in porridge can compete with those of statins. In addition, oatmeal porridge can reduce the number of heart conditions and possibly colon cancer, without side effects. For the healthy benefits, a plate of oatmeal porridge per day is sufficient. Achieving the perfect texture takes some time. It is best to heat your porridge for half an hour on low heat, the starch in oat flakes will then break down.