Oats are probably one of the healthiest grains in the market today. Not only are they gluten-free, but they are also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to function well.
But did you know that it could even be more fun if you add it to your cookies? So, before you go to your favorite cookie shopping stores in Frisco, TX to get a box, here are a few of its benefits that you might want to read. Knowing these will surely make you feel less guilty every time you take a bite.
They are rich in antioxidants
Whole oats are rich in antioxidants and other plant compounds such as polyphenols. The most notable group of antioxidants that whole oats have is avenanthramide. This helps in reducing blood pressure levels by boosting the production of nitric oxide. It also helps decrease itching and inflammation.
They are versatile
Oatmeal cookies are a very versatile recipe that is very easy to make. You can add specific ingredients to help improve the nutritional value of your favorite snack. You can do it while you make them from scratch. You can also consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to give your cookies a dose of iron and potassium.
Meanwhile, adding a few chunks of delicious dark chocolate can add even more antioxidants and flavonoids into the mix. This, in turn, further reduces your risk for heart disease. Moreover, you can also add chia seeds or flax seeds to increase your body’s intake of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
They lower cholesterol levels
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and one of the significant reasons for heart disease is high blood cholesterol. Since the oats found in oatmeal cookies are a great source of beta-glucan fiber, they can reduce the LDL cholesterol level in your body. Beta-glucan promotes the release of cholesterol-rich bile in the body, which reduces the bad cholesterol level in the blood. It also increases the growth of good bacteria in the body.
They improve blood sugar control
Type 2 diabetes is a common illness across the United States. It usually results from reduced responsiveness to insulin, which raises the body’s blood sugar level. Oats can reduce your body’s blood sugar, which can be a great help for people who are suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Moreover, it also helps improve insulin sensitivity, which somehow alleviates the effect of the disease. The beta-glucans’ ability to create a thick gel causes the insulin levels to improve. The thick gel tends to delay the emptying of the stomach as well as the body’s glucose absorption.
But of course, even with these many health benefits, an oatmeal cookie is still just like your regular cookie. While having a few occasionally is okay, it still contains high amounts of fat and sugar, which are not great for your waistline. So, make sure to take it in moderation. There is nothing wrong with having a bite now and then; you deserve it.
