Healthy porridge

Benefits to you

Porridge, a heart warming start to the day. But what makes oats so special?

Oat is special because it has the distinctive feature to be a Whole grain and a Super grain.

Whole grain or food made from them; contain all the essential parts and naturally occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed. If the grain has been processed (e.g. cracked, crushed, rolled, extruded, and /or cooked), the food
product should deliver approximately the same rich
balance of nutrients that are found in the original grain
seed. (Following the official definition of whole grains, approved and endorsed by the Whole Grain Council
in May 2004).

In this way, Whole grain foods, contain a rich mix of phytonutrients, proteins, antioxidants, complex carbohydrate, fibre, vitamins and mineral that work together as a great package. Eating the whole package gives a combination
of health benefits as part of healthy balanced diet.

The Super grain provides all the benefit of whole grain plus extra benefits.

Here are seven special reasons to eat porridge oats, one for every day of the week!

1 Deliciously versatile and filling

2 Helps with dieting

3 Reduces cholesterol and
Ablood pressure

4 Reduces the risk of diabetes

5 Benefits unborn babies

6 Helps combat childhood obesity

7 Boosts concentration

1 Deliciously versatile and filling.

Porridge is a delicious wholegrain cereal that is so easy to enjoy. It is a versatile breakfast option equally tasty served sweet with honey, or sugar, or savoury by adding a little salt. Many people choose to add a portion of fruit to their porridge for a healthy start to their day. Our porridge is made from 100% Oat flakes. Oats are rich in complex carbohydrates which release energy more slowly than sugars providing sustainable energy which keeps us full up for longer. Oats are high in soluble fibre and have a low GI (Glycaemic Index), which means eating porridge for breakfast will keep you satisfied and stop you from binging on high calorie sugar snacks until lunch.

2 Helps with dieting.

Porridge oats are 100% natural, with no added sugar, salt, or additives, and are naturally low in calories. An average bowl of porridge made with water contains approximately 103 kcal calories. Eating breakfast is vitally important and can actually help you lose weight by kick-starting your metabolism. Why not make porridge oats part of your diet and fitness routine and take a step towards a healthier heart?

3 Reduces cholesterol and blood pressure.

Porridge is rich in soluble fibre, which has been shown to lower blood cholesterol. Eating oats can improve blood flow and bind to cholesterol in the gut, aiding its removal from the body. Scientists think the cholesterol-lowering effects of oats are due to the oat soluble fibre beta-glucan. Lowering cholesterol in the body reduces the risk of heart disease. A daily serving of oats can also improve blood pressure control and reduce the need for anti-hypertensive medication. Oats are one of just a few foods that have the UK 2004 Joint Health Claims Initiative.  The claim acknowledges the importance of oats by approving the following claim: "The inclusion of oats as part of a diet low in saturated fat and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce blood cholesterol." 

4 Reduces the risk of diabetes.

Eating foods such as porridge may cut the risk of developing (non-insulin dependent) diabetes by absorbing sugar from the gut and cutting the need for large quantities of insulin to be released.

5 Benefits unborn babies.

Porridge is an excellent source of folic acid. Taking folic acid from before conception until the 12th week of pregnancy can reduce the chances of having a baby with spina bifida. Pregnant women need 400mcg of folic acid a day.

6 Helps combat childhood obesity.

Studies of children by scientists found that among those who regularly ate whole-oat products, the proportion of overweight children almost halved. Researchers also found that those eating foods with a low glycaemic index (GI), such as porridge, were less likely to binge on sugary snacks.

7 Boosts concentration.

The slow releasing complex carbohydrates in porridge oats sustain energy levels, allowing full concentration to be maintained. Complex carbohydrates also stabilise and raise blood sugar levels, making porridge oats an excellent choice of breakfast for adults and children alike.