What are the health benefits of oatmeal?

Oats are most famous for their soluble fiber. They are an excellent source of iron, zinc, phosphorus and selenium, as well as being a good source of copper. They also have plenty of B vitamins, which help convert food to energy and promote muscles, brain function, and healthy skin and hair.

A bowl of oatmeal is a traditional morning meal that may provide you with more than just a warm start to your day.

Oatmeal, oat bran and whole oat products are some of the best sources of soluble fiber, which help reduce total cholesterol along with LDL or "bad" cholesterol. In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, oat fiber can help control blood sugar, too. That's why it's often added to breakfast cereals, muffins and other foods.

A favorite breakfast food, oatmeal is really a cereal grain made from the herb Avena sativa. Avena is known in traditional herbal medicine as a calming plant that is nutritious for a frazzled nervous system. We often recommend regular intake of oatmeal to help our patients’ bodies cope with long-term stressors more effectively.

Oats contain melatonin and complex carbohydrates that can help more tryptophan get into the brain to help you sleep. It also contains vitamin B6, a vitamin which is a co-factor that helps more serotonin get produced in the brain as well.

While you might think of oatmeal only as a breakfast food, it also is a smart choice for a bedtime snack. The Scottish recommend a bowl of oatmeal in the evening to get you feeling nice and sleepy.

You already know the health benefits of starting your day with oatmeal. In this video, naturopathic doctor Pina LoGiudice explains why you might also want to end your day with a steamy, creamy bowl of it.