Oatmeal is one of those foods where you can have it everyday, yet it can be different because there are so many options in what to add to it. Oatmeal is a very healthy breakfast.

Here are a few facts about oatmeal and why you should include it in your weekly breakfast:

• Lowers Cholesterol Levels
• Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
• Prevents Heart Failure
• Significant Cardiovascular Benefits for Postmenopausal Women
• Enhances Immune Response to Infection
• Stabilizes Blood Sugar
• Lowers Type 2 Diabetes Risk
• Antioxidant Benefits
• Fiber from Whole Grains and Fruit Protective against Breast Cancer

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Oatmeal is also an excellent source of vitamin B complex. Vitamin B is essential for normal functioning of nervous system.

Oatmeal also contains important nutrient like vitamin E, iron, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium and thiamine , which helps in growth of bone, teeth and muscle.

Vitamin E prevents blood clotting and act as antioxidant. This vitamin removes harmful free radicals from body that damages cells of body. These free radicals are responsible for aging.

Oatmeal also contains important micro nutrient zinc. Zinc is essential constituent of many enzymes and is required for metabolism and stabilization of nucleic acid. Zinc also associated with healing of wound, growth, reproduction and glucose tolerance of human body.

You are better off avoiding the prepackaged flavored oatmeal as it is full of sugars that suppress the health benefits that oatmeal has to offer. Instead add your own “flavor” to your oatmeal like fruit, honey, nuts, raisins, real maple syrup, agave necter or cinnamon. Lastly, to save a few dollars buy it in bulk at Henry’s, WholeFoods, People’s or where ever they many have the bulk bins.

Merry Christmas! I will keep this short so you can get back to opening presents!

5 Healthy Holiday Foods

Yams are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese; while being low in saturated fat and sodium

Green beans are an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium, folate, and iron

Nuts are the best plant source of protein not to mention they are rich in fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants like as vitamin E and selenium

Whole Grains (stone ground wheat, oats, brown rice) are a good source of B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, iron and fiber

Homemade Mulled Apple Cider is high in antioxidants, but be careful, you are better off eating an apple than drinking many cups of apple cider since apple cider is concentrated