6 Reasons Why Porridge is the Ultimate Breakfast
Scientists found that for each ounce of whole grains eaten a day (Which is the equivalent to a small bowl of porridge,) the risk of death was reduced by 5% and the risk of death due to heart-related issues was reduced by 9% (1)
After reading that statistic you may be running to the store to pick up some porridge to eat tomorrow morning, and you should! Whether a morning bowl of porridge is your go to breakfast, or if porridge is not on the top of your list of favorite breakfast options, you may want to add this fabulous breakfast option to your daily diet plan. It may just add years to your life.
Let’s dive into exactly why porridge is such a nutritious breakfast option, and why this is a great breakfast option for anyone wanting to reduce their risk of disease.
Here are 6 reasons why porridge should make it into your breakfast bowl this week:
1. Porridge Helps Regulate Appetite
If you find yourself ravenous at the 10 AM hour, you may be eating the wrong foods. Porridge is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates which are slower to release their energy. Sprinkling some nuts and seeds on top (or our porridge topper) helps even more… they contain protein and fibre, which help you feel fuller for longer.
2. Need an Immune Boost? Porridge has you Covered!
Surprisingly, porridge can help keep your immune system strong helping you kick those yucky germs. Porridge is a rich source of Vitamin A which can help the body fight off free radicals from the body. Porridge is also high in beta-glucans which helps to keep the immune system strong by actually making your immune response smarter!
3. Porridge can Help Build Strong Bones.
As it turns out, milk isn’t the only way to build strong bones! Porridge is a great source of calcium which is important for strengthening bones and teeth. Want to give your bones an even better boost?
4. Porridge may Help Protect Against Cardiovascular Disease
With heart disease on the rise, it’s important to take a look at your food choices and see how you can implement some preventative measures. Porridge may be a great addition to a heart-healthy diet. According to a new research study (conducted over the course of 25 years), those who ate porridge had been protected against heart disease!Keep in mind that this study, studied nearly 100,000 people, so this is a huge finding! The reason for this is thought to be due to porridge’s ability to beat high cholesterol and to soak up fat in the system. Pretty amazing, right?
5. If you Need a Mineral Boost, Porridge is a Great Option
Whole grains in general are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, but porridge is especially great and is rich in zinc, copper, manganese, and iron. A whole grain breakfast option like porridge is also thought to help combat free-radicals!
6. Porridge May Be Able to Reduce Blood Pressure
Here’s just one more heart health benefit to add to the list. Porridge has been thought to help reduce high blood pressure. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that a diet that included lots of whole grains such as porridge was just as effective as taking high blood pressure medication! (2) Here’s just one more reason to enjoy porridge as your go to breakfast.
If you’re looking for a way to give your health a little boost, consider adding porridge into your morning routine. Not only is porridge a convenient, and quick breakfast option but as you can see you will be armoring your body with tons of health benefits.
Start your day right and enjoy a bowl of warm porridge, and top it with some superfoods, nuts, and seeds to make it even healthier. Want a delicious recipe to get started?
Check out the superfood packed recipe below.
Superfood Oats
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of gluten free porridge oats
- 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 1 Tbsp. Porridge Topper
- 1 Tbsp. almond butter
- 1 Teaspoon raw cocoa nibs
Directions:
- Add the porridge oats into a stockpot with the almond milk. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 10 seconds or so to be sure the porridge doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Pour into a serving bowl, and top with the porridge topper, almond butter, and cocoa nibs.
Overnight Oats
Ok so you don’t have the time for the above, no worries.
We’ve put together an awesome go to breakfast option to help you get your daily allowance of oats! Check out our overnight oats here
p.s. if you want them warm just pop the bowl straight from the fridge into the microwave for a few seconds. Simple..
Resources:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270680.php
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-eating-porridge-1963.html
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270680.php