What’s In Oatmeal And Cheerios That Make Them So Good For Cholesterol?
I’ve heard that Cheerios and Oatmeal are really good for your cholesterol, and I’ve been eating them regularly. I usually eat Cherrios during the Spring and Summer, but in Fall and Winter I eat Oatmeal. I’ve never had a cholesterol problem, but still this combo has kept it all in check.
It is thought that the oat fibers in oatmeal mix with cholesterol in the small intestine, then bind to the cholesterol molecules and carry it out of the body — instead of it being absorbed into the blood.
Oatmeal seems to be most effective in lowering LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) levels. According to the studies in adults, LDL cholesterol may be lowered by 10 percent in some cases. In these studies, anywhere between 40 and 60 grams — or roughly one bowl — of oatmeal was consumed by each subject per day. The cholesterol lowering benefits of oatmeal is also dose-dependent. That is, the more oatmeal you eat, the lower your cholesterol will go.
Although oatmeal is helpful in lowering cholesterol, some of the ingredients placed in oatmeal may not be. This would include butter, chocolate, whole milk, and cheeses. Be sure to check the ingredients of instant oatmeal and the fat content of added ingredients if you want to achieve the full, cholesterol-lowering effect of oatmeal.
Sources:
Czerwinski J et al. Oat (Avena sativa L.) and amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) meals positively affect plasma lipid profile in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets. J Nutr Biochem (10):622-9.
CHEERIOS
Cheerios — Clinically Proven to Lower Blood Cholesterol
Three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, can help lower cholesterol, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. But only certain breakfast cereals, such as Cheerios, provide the benefits of heart-healthy soluble fiber from whole grain oats. Cheerios has 1 gram of soluble fiber per cup. The important thing to know is that Cheerios is the only leading cold cereal clinically proven to help lower cholesterol in a low fat diet.
How do Whole Grain Oats Work to Help Lower Cholesterol?
Nutrition researchers have some ideas. Soluble fiber in whole grain oats can form a gel in your digestive system, which may bind cholesterol and take it out of the body. By lowering your cholesterol, you may lower your risk of heart disease. That’s good news for you and your family!
I`m not exactly sure,because I never did any research on the subject,but I would guess,fiber?The reason I say this is because I am guessing that the fiber would absorb unhealthy fats causing lower cholesterol?Also,I know eating foods higher in fiber,causes you to stay fuller longer,and possibly reduces cravings for foods that may up your cholesterol Laval.Hope I was helpful.Have a Merry Christmas:o)
They both fight bad cholesterol
They have the good cholesterol in them that kill the bad.