Oats have been used for generations and it is not just about to lose its flavor like the popular processed foods which come and go.

They are gluten-free according to the Whole Grains Council. Oats don’t contain gluten but can come into contact with it during the manufacturing or the growing process. In fact, oatmeal makes an excellent breakfast option for vegans to kick-start their day because it is really filling and energizing. There are many ways you can tweak your oatmeal to make it ‘less boring.’

If you have no idea how oats end up in the store, check out this video:

 

 

The Good about Oatmeal

Oatmeal is known to have low saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium making it an excellent dietary option for people with high cholesterol levels. In addition, it is packed with fiber, phosphorous, selenium, and manganese nutrients.

The hulling process of oats does not in the least rid it of bran and germ, therefore you will appreciate the full value of oats even after it has been processed.

Studies have shown that individuals with cholesterol as high as 220mg/dl can lower it by 8-23% by taking oats daily or regularly.
Additional benefits that come with consuming oatmeal are:

• They are a great antioxidant
• They are packed with iron
• They help fight cancer
• They are an excellent solution for inflammation
• They come as a handy diet for those on a weight loss journey

 

Preparation of Oats

Usually, oatmeal is prepared using water or milk. While water will give it that meh taste, milk remains to be the only other better option. Dairy milk is definitely out of question for the vegan but vegan-friendly alternatives like almond, soy, and rice milk make excellent nutrient-packed options. However, you need to be aware that not all alternative milk options are workable when subjected to heat. You may want to consider water alongside other toppings to achieve that tantalizing flavor for your oatmeal.

For instance, you can opt for strawberries, cranberries, maple syrup, peeled apples, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconuts which go really well with oatmeal, independently or when mixed.

I recently bumped on this really interesting oatmeal vegan recipe by Minimalist Baker and decided it’s a must try. The result? Maybe you can share with us after trying it out too.