Overnight oats have exploded in popularity over the past few years. Originally coined by a doctor a hundred years ago to supply vast amounts of highly nutritious breakfasts to patients, the overnight oat has become a staple of fitness fiends morning routines.
It is a very simple yet effective recipe; some raw oats soaked overnight in a jar or Tupperware box with either lemon juice, milk or yoghurt. You then serve it in the morning with some fruit & nuts. It has a pudding-like consistency but with a range of health benefits - from a healthier heart to a smoother digestive system to weight loss.
Here are 5 of the best reasons to have overnight oats:
1. You'll Feel Fuller & Burn Fat
Not only do they make you feel fuller, they also help your body burn fat. It's win-win when you're dieting or using the jab! They're a form of carbs which are actually good for you! Oats are resistant starches, meaning that they digest very slowly and trigger the release of digestive acids which have been shown to suppress the appetite and speed up calorie-burning.
Studies show that by swapping just 5% of your daily carbs to resistant starch carbs could speed your body's metabolism by 23%!
2. Get A Quick, Nutritious Breakfast
The age-old excuse of "I didn't have time" can now be binned when you've got overnight oats ready. It takes five minutes to prepare, you leave it in the fridge overnight and take it out in the morning to eat immediately. Studies show that those who plan ahead make consistently healthier food choices rather than those who quickly grab something last minute. This is quite possibly the easiest method of being prepared for a highly nutritious breakfast.
3. You'll Absorb Lots of Nutrients
The process of soaking overnight oats helps break down phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that interferes with digestive enzymes and stops mineral absorption. Once soaked, the phytic acid has a far less impact on your digestive system, meaning it can absorb much more of the natural nutrients found within oats, including the hidden Vitamin B.
4. Increase Heart Health
Oat bran has a reputation as a cholesterol fighter. A study by the Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism showed that an oat fibre called beta-glucan can reduce cholesterol levels by up to 10%! If you make your overnight oats with lemon juice, the added vitamin c will further help reduce cholesterol levels. All in all, it will play a role in reducing your risk of heart disease further down the line.
5. Boost Your Fibre
Fibre plays a vital role in a lot of body processes. It can help reduce your chances of getting stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea and acid reflux. It also helps aid the smooth digestive process on a daily basis.
Fibre can also help reduce your blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels (as above). Furthermore, it can help control your blood sugars so you're not getting those sugary cravings by mid-morning (the dreaded sugar crash!). Fibre can also help with inflammation within the body, which can reduce the risk of a range of health complications.
So there we have it, 5 good reasons to have overnight oats. Try them out and see the benefits for yourself.
Thanks for reading,
The Slim Transformation Team
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