Health issues linked to eating oats too often: Study results
Photo: Why eating oatmeal too often is a bad idea (freepik.com)
Recently, everyone has been praising oatmeal. It can do wonders for your body, can help you live longer, and actually tastes great. But is oatmeal healthy?
The material uses data from studies by the Environmental Working Group, Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.
What you need to know
Oatmeal brings many positive benefits to your health. With effects like improved digestion, potential weight loss, improved heart health, and increased satiety, it's hard to argue that oatmeal is good for you.
However, it is also important to consider several ways that oatmeal can also cause some unwanted side effects.
According to the study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, oats may be exposing you to toxic agricultural chemicals.
A peer-reviewed study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found detectable levels of chlormequat, a pesticide used on oats, in 80 percent of Americans tested between 2017 and 2023.
In addition, the study found detectable levels of chlormequat in 92% of oat-based products purchased in May 2023, including Quaker oats.
In animal studies, chlormequat has been associated with reproductive and developmental toxicity, raising concerns about its safety and suggesting the potential for similar harm in humans.
Although the individual exposure levels in the study were below safety thresholds set by regulatory agencies, the EWG warns that the cumulative effects of exposure to multiple chemicals can lead to potential health effects, especially during pregnancy.
The study highlights the need for continued monitoring of chlormequat in food and humans, along with further research to understand its health effects at current exposure levels.
Oatmeal can cause bloating
"If you are new to oats, they may cause bloating so it's best to start with a small portion," says Lisa Young, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim.
Whole grains such as wheat and oats are high in fiber, glucose and starch. All of these are absorbed by bacteria in the intestines or large intestine, leading to bloating in some people.
To reduce side effects, start with a small amount and gradually increase to the desired amount. When you start eating oat bran, the harmful effects on your body will probably disappear.
Do not add a lot of sugar to oatmeal (photo: pixabay.com)
Oatmeal can lead to weight gain
While eating oatmeal can help you lose weight, overdoing it can do the exact opposite.
Eating large portions of oatmeal can lead to weight gain.
Also, watch the topping: a tablespoon or two of chopped walnuts or flaxseed is fine, but too much butter or sugar is not.
The fact that you are adding oatmeal can also be a factor in potential weight gain. You can add sugar, chocolate chips, and other sweet additions, which ultimately reduce the overall nutritional value of your oatmeal because they add extra calories, unhealthy fats, and sugar.
By the way, we wrote earlier that there are some categories of people who should avoid eating apples.
