A Powerful Breakfast
Follow
Heart healthy oats and walnuts
It’s been windy and raining like crazy this weekend. It’s not looking like there will be any outdoor riding for me today, even as the clouds are beginning to break and the sun is coming out. It’s just too windy and unpredictable out there for me today for a solo ride. I’ll just practice a bit with the pedals on the trainer and focus on getting caught up on some chores around home.
One thing for certain, though, is that it is a great morning for a hot, steamy bowl of steel cut oats, with toasted walnuts and maple syrup. Oats are a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Regular consumption of oats has been shown to help reduce bad cholesterol. As soluble fiber passes through the digestive tract it forms a gel-like substance in the small intestines that helps to catch “bad” cholesterol (LDL), preventing the body from absorbing it. It does not, however, block the absorption of the “good” cholesterol (HDL). Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation, which can help protect from chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer, arthritis). Maple syrup, you may be surprised to learn, has health benefits, too! It is a good source of manganese and zinc, which have been linked to good heart health, also.
That should give me the energy to get all my chores done today. Speaking of which … I better get started.