Oats, which are inexpensive and have a long expiration date, could boost your energy.

In our quest to revitalize our mornings and infuse our lives with renewed vigor, many of us find ourselves scouring the internet for the latest supplements promising to jumpstart our days and disrupt our doldrums. However, instead of chasing after the latest innovations, take a moment to appreciate the humble oats. Here’s why.

1.Avoid Blood Sugar Spikes with Oats

Mornings can often be chaotic as we scramble to join the daily grind, and reaching for refined carbs such as pastries, croissants, or sugary cereals will only serve to spike your blood sugar levels. Did you know that 100g of oats (Avena sativa L.) contains only around 1g of sugar? Transforming regular oats into a suitable oatmeal ingredient does not involve adding any sugar or additives. With the husks and stems removed, they undergo light processing via rolling, cutting, or crushing, and are a whole-grain food, making oats an excellent choice for those suffering from diabetes or individuals seeking to manage their weight.

2.Avoid Daytime Drowsiness with Oats

After the initial blood sugar spike comes the inevitable crash if you fail to manage your energy consumption throughout the day. Sweet treats provide only a temporary fix, followed by a significant energy dip. Oats, on the other hand, release energy more gradually, ensuring you remain energized for longer periods. This is because oats have a GI food score of less than 55. Lower Glycemic Index foods are absorbed into the bloodstream at a slower rate, helping to avoid the aforementioned spikes and promoting a prolonged sense of fullness compared to other high GI options such as white bread or cereal bars.

3.Oats are a Great Source of Fiber

Oats are high in fiber. A large serving of 1 cup (81g) provides 8.1g of fiber. Even a smaller bowl of 30g will provide 3.1g, and science suggests that increasing your daily fiber intake could be one of the smartest moves you could make. One study published in the BMJ concluded that for every additional 10g of fiber added to an individual’s diet, there was a 10% reduction in their chances of developing colorectal cancer. The recommended daily fiber intake is 25g for women and 38g for men.

4.Oats May Lengthen Your Life

It’s not just colorectal cancer that might be avoided through eating more oats. Further studies show that they are just as effective at lowering blood pressure as anti-hypertensive medication. Since cardiovascular disease is linked to high blood pressure, consuming more oats appears to go hand-in-hand with improved heart health. Oat grain also contains antioxidants such as avenanthramides, and these are thought to have, among other benefits, anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects, making them potentially valuable for skin conditions. However, those who are gluten intolerant should note that in some cases, oats may be grown alongside wheat or barley, and may become contaminated with gluten. Look for the gluten-free option in stores.

5.Oats are Inexpensive

Of course, one of the most attractive aspects of oats is their affordability, depending on the brand. Buying in bulk is a great idea too, since they have a long expiry date, often lasting several months and beyond. Note that the “sell by” date is often conservative to ensure the products reach the customer in the best possible condition. Oats will last far beyond that limit. So, now that you’ve saved a few pennies by switching to oats, you may have enough money left over to add some gut-friendly plain Greek yogurt into the mix, because there are plenty of ways to make plain oats more exciting without reaching for the syrup. Nuts, seeds, and berries also make for great additions to oatmeal. Get ready to power yourself up!