More than 40 scientific studies show that eating oatmeal can help lower blood cholesterol levels.

Benefits of oatmeal are greatest for those who have high cholesterol levels.

Experts believe it's the soluble fiber found in oats that helps reduce blood cholesterol levels.

How?

In simple terms, oat soluble fiber (beta glucan) helps control blood cholesterol by binding some of the cholesterol in your digestive tract. This cholesterol is "trapped" and removed from your body naturally.

Think of each rolled oat as a tiny sponge that soaks up cholesterol in your digestive tract.

Many people will experience a reduction in blood cholesterol if they eat 1-1/2 cups of cooked oatmeal (about 3/4 cup uncooked) providing 3 grams of oat soluble fiber (beta glucan) every day.

Belly Byte:  Quaker Oatmeal Products

Have oatmeal for breakfast and help prevent breast cancer. Premenopausal women on diets rich in fiber from whole grains, like oats, reduce their risk by up to 41 percent, suggests a study in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

Exercise Booster
eat some oatmeal pancakes for a better workout. British researchers found that foods like oatmeal up endurance when eaten about three hours before exercise. Oats trigger the body to burn fat more quickly to fuel muscles.

Diet Helper
Replace all purpose flour with home made oat flour (grind oats in a processor) for baking cookies, pancakes, and quick breads. You get twice the fiber so you feel fuller, but fewer calories.

Pore Refiner
This mask, from a New York City Dermatologist, makes use of oats' saponins, cleansers that remove dirt from pores. Mix 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup hot water, and 1/4 cup honey in a food processor. Let cool, and apply. Wait 10 minutes, and rinse.

Chewy Fruit and Oatmeal Bars (New window)

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