Healthy Bites: Oatmeal

As I stated in an earlier blog, February is National Heart Month.   I am going to blog about different foods that are heart healthy.  Today, I going to talk about oatmeal.  I know it doesn't sound  interesting, but I was amazed at all the health benefits  of oatmeal has.   Even if you don't like sitting down and having a bowl of oatmeal, you can add oatmeal to cakes, cookies,  and breads and still receive  health benefits.

Health Benefits:
1.  Numerous studies have shown oatmeal may help lower your cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
2.  Oatmeal can help you control your weight.
3.  Oatmeal may reduce the risk for Type 2 diabetes.
4. Oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure.
5.  Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  It is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.
6.  The fiber and other nutrients in oatmeal may reduce the risk for certain cancers.
7.   Oatmeal gives you energy.
8.  Oatmeal helps your memory.  Oatmeal contains Vitamin B which is important for the brain and nervous system to function properly.

Who would have guessed oats are such healthy bites.    You can find  Instant Oatmeal, Old Fashioned Oatmeal, Steel Cut Oatmeal, Oatmeal Squares, Granola, just to name a few.

Today, instead of just making a regular bowl of oatmeal, I made Baked Oatmeal.  It was delicious.  It had a nice chewy nutty  texture.  Best of all - it was a healthy bite.

                                                Baked Oatmeal

 Ingredients:

1-cup oatmeal

½ cup chopped walnuts

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup applesauce

1 egg

¼ cup canola oil

1-1/2 cup milk

 Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. In a large bowl combine the oatmeal, walnuts, brown sugar, and salt.
2. In a smaller bowl, beat together the egg, canola oil, and milk.
3. Add the egg mixture to the oat mixture then add the applesauce.  Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in a greased 8x8 inch-baking dish.
5. Bake for 30 minutes.  Remove from oven.  Serve with low fat milk.

Makes 6 servings

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