A new scientific review of the most current research shows the link between eating oatmeal and cholesterol reduction to be stronger than when the FDA initially approved the health claim’s appearance on food labels in 1997.
Dr. James W. Anderson, professor of medicine and clinical nutrition at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, co-authors “The Oatmeal-Cholesterol Connection: 10 Years Later” in the January/February 2008 issue of the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. .
Anderson presents a contemporary analysis to determine if newer studies are consistent with the original conclusion reached by the FDA. His report says studies conducted during the past 15 years have, without exception, shown:
- total cholesterol levels are lowered through oat consumption;
- low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the “bad” cholesterol) is reduced without adverse effects on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, the “good” cholesterol), or triglyceride concentrations.
“Whole-grain products like oatmeal are among some of the best foods one can eat to improve cholesterol levels, in addition to other lifestyle choices,” Anderson said. “Lifestyle choices, such as diet, should be the first line of therapy for most patients with moderate cholesterol risk given the expense, safety concerns, and intolerance related to cholesterol lowering drugs.”
More recent data indicate that whole-grain oats, as part of a lifestyle management program, may confer health benefits that extend beyond total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol reduction, Anderson said.
Recent studies suggest eating oatmeal may:
- Reduce the risk for elevated blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and weight gain
- Reduce LDL cholesterol during weight-loss
- Provide favorable changes in the physical characteristics of LDL cholesterol particles, making them less susceptible to oxidation (oxidation is thought to lead to hardening of the arteries.)
- Supply unique compounds that may lead to reducing early hardening of the arteries
“Since the 80’s, oatmeal has been scientifically recognized for its heart health benefits, and the latest research shows this evidence endures the test of time and should be embraced as a lifestyle option for the millions of Americans at-risk for heart disease,” said Anderson.
Source: University of Kentucky
Biosingularity 
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I love oatmeal- the smell, the texture, and the taste. I just wish I had time to make a bowl of it in the morning. (Barely have enough time to wolf down my cold cereal and milk.)
No time? I eat a huge bowl every morning. Just get good organic oats and nuke them. Even if one is against microwaving, its better than no oatmeal at all because the stuff is really good for you. Add a few tablespoons of ground flax seed, maybe some chopped walnuts or almonds and some 2% milk and you’re good to go. Every nutrient you need is in there except maybe Vitamin C and that’s an easy one.
Actually, I even like cold oatmeal. It’s a mindset LOL
oatmeal is good for everyone at least i think so… i usually taken oatmeal as my breakfast. after eating for 2 hours my stomach still feeling full and i won’t be too hungry until noon time unlike other cereal products….. besides i love its smell!:)
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Most children like oatmeal until they listen to the older folks. Obviously, we should listen to the children. Great site – thanks.
Perfect information, thank you for that, ill try to eat a little more, and have a more balanced died. Thanks again, good read and find.
great blog and great post, thanks for the information i would have never bothered to look up myself, but that really interests me, heh. Keep up the work and thanks again for affirming my belief that oatmeal is healthy and delicious 0.o
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I love oatmeal, but I like donuts better. Why can’t they make oatmeal that tastes like Donuts!!!?
Very interesting site that I find rich, pleasant and well organized!
Honour to include it in my topliste Panorama
http://everyoneweb.fr/topliste
Best continuation!
Sincerrely Yours! Kamdou
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Not really sure what to believe anymore. When someone in a study stops eating bacon and eggs and begins to eat only oatmeal, it’s obvious they would have a noteworthy amount of cholesterol reduction. I have also seen close personal friends reduce their cholesterol by being on the Atkins diet…so at this point, who knows.
I did find Dr. Peter D’Adamo’s book Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type eye opening. It would explain why the New England Journal of Medicine was so astounded as to those on Atkins having such profound amounts of weight loss, while those on oatmeal could gain so much weight. Blood type O are built by nature to eat protein and veggies only, while blood types A, B and AB can live more comfortably on simplex and complex carbs or vegetables and fruits.
I am bllod type O and if I ate a steady diet of oatmeal I would gain about 25 pounds in 2 months…so cholesterol reduction vs. extreme weight gain? Not much of a choice for me.
Thank you for this article. My sister has had a 4 way bypass and found she can not tolerate the cholestrol lowing statin drugs. I know there have been times when she has felt she has to make a decision between quality and quantity of life. Oatmeal and whole foods seems easy enough. Thanks again.
I love oat but I eat it in Bircher musli. You have a recipe on my blog but it’s in serbian. 😉
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Interesting. Do oatmeal cookies count?? =)
Gotta love that oatmeal. Breakfast of champions.
Yes, I really appreciate this blog. I have been knocking back oats first thing s=for some time. In days gone I would not practice aikido unless I had eaten oats. I found that it keeps me going through enduring workouts. I also think it has a beneficial effect on my mind/mood. I recall reading somewhere that the chinese had long held the benefits of oats for mental health. Thanks
wonderful information…:)
Does the instant stuff have the same benefits?
Dr. Anderson didn’t get his funding from Quaker Oats, did he?
The oatmeal article is a good start, but dosage information is lacking. To get optimal benefits, do I need to eat oatmeal every day, every other day or just once a week? Does cooking diminish the benefits? I will eat raw oatmeal, but I prefer it nuked for a minute or so. My guess is that the original research dealt with these questions. Let’s have the complete research.
I add milk to my museli,and leave it in the fridge over night,so in the morning it is soft and creamy.
Well im a blood type O and have eaten Oatmeal all my life and have never noticed any i’ll effects. At 43 i pump iron and do high intensity cardo exercise and eat oatmeal with whey protein mixed togeather sometimes 3 or 4 times a day and i still feel like i’m in my 20’s.
Hello!
I think this try.
My daily breakfast drink at 7AM: Blend together the following: 1 cup orange juice, 3/4 cup water, 1/3 cup powdered milk, 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal, 1 banana (6oz), 3oz berries. I then go to the gym and work out for 45 minutes. Best way that I know to start the day.
I like real Oatmeal, and oatmeal cookies but rarely eat either due to the carbs. Im usually an eggs and protein shake kinda girl 🙂
i really would like to know more on the research on eating uncooked oatmeal because i like the taste and i find myself eating the stuff straight from the box. i haven’t had any side effects yet but i’d still like to know if its okay to do so. i enjoy it cooked too, just that i like to eat about a cupful when am watching TV after work, most days.
I love uncooked oatmeal too. I put it in yogurt with fresh fruit.
I include .75 of a cup of uncooked oatmeal in my morning blender bomb.
i love dry oatmeal right out of the box, i’m trying to stay off the surger and butter, cause i like it that way as well,, so i ask if it good for me to eat dry not much , but is it ok to do so every?,
I eat raw oatmeal in the morning in my shake with whey protien table spoon olive oil 1% milk and frozen blueberries and sometimes walnuts put all in my ninja blender awesome energy for about 3-4 hours to make my morning work i prepare at night before i am 55 and fell great i powerlift 3x per week for exercise
Very similar to my ideal protein shake! =D
Big scoop of Whey (Vanilla) +16oz water,
1 cup of uncooked oatmeal,
1 cup of whole Milk,
1 cap-full or tablespoon of cold pressed, EV olive oil,
and one big scoop of Vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. Sometimes I throw in some fruit or berries. Or just eat an orange before blending.
You’re an example of a fit, hard working man-being your best as we should at any age. Take care!
I have been one to eat 3 packs of instant oatmeal in the morning, and then at lunch. It helped me loose weight greatly! It was wonderfull!
Oatmeal is indeed a big reason why so many people from the old days lived a long life. Remember the Delany sisters? They ate theirs every morning. But people from the old days also kept God in their hearts and lived as peaceful as they could. Today’s generation full of atheists can look forward to a short lifespan.