Oatmeal has long been included in our diets as a breakfast staple. Many people have gravitated towards rolled oats, but there is more attention being given to steel cut oats recently. They are both healthier than the instant oatmeal out there that is typically laden with sugar, but how healthy are they and which one is better for you?
Both steel cut oats and rolled oats have significant amounts of dietary fibre, both soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fibre keeps you regular and keeps the digestive system healthy and aids in proper function. The soluble fibre in steel cut oats is made up of beta glucans, which are believed to lower blood cholesterol levels and stabilize your blood sugar.
But, are steel cut oats better than rolled oats? They are almost the same when it comes to nutritional value however, there are some key differences:
- Steel cut oats undergo minimal processing, so they contain more fiber and nutrients than rolled oats because they still contain the bran and germ portion of the original grain
- Steel cut oats digest more slowly than rolled oats, leaving you feeling fuller for longer. As such, they are usually lower on the glycemic index
- Rolled oats require less cooking time than steel cuts because they have been flattened and steamed already
- Both can be used to make overnight oats, although the steel-cut variety will be chewier and taste nuttier
As a result of steel cut oats being minimally processed and containing more fibre and nutrients than rolled oats, they are the better choice of the two.
So, are there any other benefits to adding steel cut oats to my daily meal plan? Well, what we eat affects our serotonin levels to a degree, with carbohydrates being linked to the synthesis of serotonin. Serotonin naturally calms your brain and puts you into a relaxing state, which helps you sleep at night. Having a healthy carbohydrate meal such as steel cut oats will help you to get a healthier sleep and leave you feeling more rested when you wake up.