Only 7% of Americans are eating enough fiber—a nutrient required for several aspects of your well-being, including managing cholesterol levels, supporting digestive health, managing weight, and controlling blood sugar.
"Oatmeal is a whole grain that is high in fiber, especially soluble fiber," says Emily Danckers, MS, RD. "When you eat soluble fiber, your digestion is slowed down, which can also increase feelings of fullness."
"By eating oatmeal every day, you can lower your total cholesterol level, reduce the 'bad' LDL cholesterol, and increase your 'good' HDL cholesterol levels," says Megan Byrd, RD, The Oregon Dietitian.
"Oatmeal's fiber content contributes to positive gastrointestinal health, including having regular bowel movements," says Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, and author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook.
Oats are rich in unique phytochemicals, including beta-glucan, resistant starch, and phenols, that affect the gut microbiome, according to a review published in the journal Foods.