What Types of Oatmeal Are Most Nutritious?

Celebrate National Oatmeal Month by taking a closer look at the different types of oats. Oats are a popular breakfast cereal as they contain fiber and protein. You’ll also find iron in them. With pros and cons to each type, you should take the time to learn more and see which is best for your mom and dad.

Four Types of Oatmeal

Elder Care Long Prairie, MN: National Oatmeal Month

When you’re shopping for oats, there are four main types found in stores. Some take much longer to cook than others, but their dense form helps you stay full for a lot longer.

Instant Oats: Instant and quick-cooking oats take a minute or two to cook. As they’re chopped down, they have a softer texture than other types of oats. A cup of instant oats has 10 grams of protein, 20 percent of your daily iron requirement, and 8 grams of fiber.

Rolled Oats/Old Fashioned Oats: These are oat groats that have been pressed to flatten them. They take upwards of 10 minutes to cook. They retain some of their texture after cooking. A cup of cooked rolled oats has 60 percent of your daily iron requirement, 9 grams of protein, and 19 grams of dietary fiber.

Steel-Cut: Steel-cut oats are oat groats that have been chopped up. They have a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Expect them to take up to half an hour to cook them. One cup of cooked steel-cut oats has 12 percent of your daily iron requirement, 5 grams of protein, and 4 grams of dietary fiber.

Whole Oat Groats: Whole oat groats have not been pressed or chopped up. You’re getting the entire grain. As a result, it takes longer to cook the groats. They’re great in grain salads and pilafs. One cup of cooked oat groats has 40 percent of your daily iron requirement, 28 grams of protein, and 16 grams of dietary fiber.

The protein and fiber counts in the four types of oatmeal do not vary too much. For that reason, you should let your parents choose their favorite type of oatmeal. If they like the chewy texture of groats or steel-cut oats, buy that. If they like softer, creamy oatmeal, instant oats are best.

Are You Short on Time? 

When you have a job, children, pets, and parents pulling you in different directions, it may be too hard to find time to cook meals for your mom and dad. Consider hiring elder care services to prepare nutritious meals for your parents. If they’re not likely to make meals on their own, elder care aides step in and cook for them. Talk to a specialist to make arrangements. 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care in Long Prairie, MN please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today. Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us Today (320) 352-3350

Sources: 

https://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/search?search=