What Happens to Your Body if You Eat Oats Daily? The Truth Might Surprise You!
Most people consider oatmeal a healthy choice for breakfast, believing it’s an excellent source of dietary fiber and linked to reduced cardiovascular disease risk. However, this common belief may not be entirely accurate. Let’s delve into the effects of eating oats daily.
Spiking Your Blood Sugar Early in the Day
Oatmeal, especially made from ultra-refined oats, is surprisingly high on the glycemic index. This means it can significantly raise your blood sugar levels, triggering the release of insulin, a hormone that regulates glucose in the blood. Elevated insulin levels prevent the body from using stored fat as an energy source, meaning your body might struggle to sustain energy throughout the day without healthy fats.
A 2021 meta-analysis on oats and their processing effects on postprandial blood glucose and insulin response found that “a disruption in the structural integrity of the oat kernel [was] likely associated with a loss in the glycemic benefits of oats.” Essentially, processed oats convert to glucose faster, leading to quicker glucose absorption in the blood.
High in Phytic Acid
Oatmeal is rich in phytic acid, a plant anti-nutrient that binds essential minerals like calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium, making them unavailable for absorption. This can lead to mineral deficiencies and digestive issues over time.
High in Glyphosate
Even if you opt for organic oats, many oat-based foods contain glyphosate, a toxic weed-killer found in Roundup. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) measured glyphosate levels in 45 samples of conventional oat products and 16 samples of organically grown oats. They found that 31 of the 45 conventional samples had glyphosate levels exceeding 160 parts per billion (ppb), which is higher than what the EWG considers safe for children.
Better Breakfast Alternatives
So, is there a better breakfast option? A recent study found that compared to an oatmeal breakfast, “two eggs per day do not adversely affect biomarkers associated with CVD [heart disease] risk, but increase satiety throughout the day in a young healthy population.” This suggests that eggs might be a more satisfying and potentially healthier breakfast choice.
In summary, while oatmeal has long been considered a healthy breakfast staple, its high glycemic index, phytic acid content, and potential glyphosate contamination suggest that it may not be as beneficial as once thought. Considering alternatives like eggs might offer better health benefits and keep you feeling full longer.
