The logic supporting the use of Oatmeal for diabetics is simple. Oatmeal has a lower glycemic index, which means that it takes longer to turn into sugar and get absorbed by the blood stream, thus, it prevents a hike in your sugar levels. Further on, Oatmeal is rich in fiber that keeps you satiated for a long time and enables you to eat less. They also have a low calorific value which is a good thing for diabetics.
It is true that Oatmeal can help control diabetes, but not every type of Oatmeal is just as good. The instant Oatmeal or the cold cereal that you have for breakfast is not what you need to control diabetes. Instead, it is the traditional Oatmeal that is cooked slowly that helps control diabetes.
If you are considering Oatmeal to treat diabetes then Steel Cut oats are the advised option. Steel Cut oats are whole grain oats i.e. the inner part of the oat kernel. These groats are quite chunky and are cut into only two or three pieces. Steel Cut oats are golden in color and resemble rice. The instant Oatmeal that you get nowadays does not help much to control your blood sugar levels.
Several studies and researches state that Steel Cut oats, if taken twice a month can significantly reduce the blood sugar levels. It not just lowers your blood sugar levels but also maintains them for a month. Now, this is something that you cannot achieve even with the best of medication.
J. B. Herrick (J. A. M. A.) describes the composition of the Von Noorden Oatmeal diet in this disease( THE OATMEAL DIET IN THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS ), and the method of its use: 250 grains of Oatmeal, from 250 to 300 grains of butter and 100 grains of something containing albumin (or from six to eight eggs or the whites of eggs) are used. The Oatmeal is cooked thoroughly in water for 2 hours, the eggs and butter are well stirred in when the cooking is nearly done, or the whites of the eggs are beaten up and stirred in later. Salt is added to suit the taste.
Oatmeal, grains and starches will affect everyone "differently". If you are on medications, you may do fine with Oatmeal. Another thing you can do is test the SPIKE of the Oatmeal one hour from your first bite; also called the one hour postprandial blood glucose. Friends of mines tested their spike one hour (165 to 175), and it was two high for what they consider their personal tight glucose targets. Since they keep an eye on which foods SPIKE, and therefore put an extra burden on the beta cells and pancreas. If you are on medication or insulin, you may be ok.
Whenever you are unsure about a food, you can do a blood glucose test for either 1 or 2 hours postprandial (after meal ) level, to see how this food affects.
Oats Are a Source of Antioxidants, vitamins, minerals:
Oats also contain a greater proportion of protein than any other grain. They also contain all the B Vitamins in a density found in no other food, Oats are also rich in Vitamin E and contain Fatty Acids and Vitamin K. Compared with other whole grains, oats also have the highest amounts of Calcium, Manganese, Copper, Zinc and Magnesium. And this healthy cereal grain has more healthy, soluble fiber than whole wheat, corn or rice.
Antioxidant is the nutritional buzz word and Oatmeal has its share. Oats are a source of a unique group of antioxidants known as avenanthramides which help to prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol oxidation can lead to plaque formation in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. The avenanthramides in Oatmeal help to prevent this unfortunate sequence of events. No wonder oats are so heart healthy.
Oatmeal is a source of Beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide found in mushrooms and whole grains . Beta-glucans have shown the ability to reduce the risk of infection after surgical procedures as well as fight off disease causing bacteria and viruses. This makes Oatmeal the perfect food to have on the table during flu season. Beta-glucans are also thought to have anti-cancer properties.
Oatmeal also prevents colon cancer. The high fiber content of oats is anti carcinogenic, effective especially for colon cancer. Whole oats result in bulky stool, which in turn dilutes carcinogens.