Food Facts Friday: Oats and Oatmeal - Kidney Diet Tips (2024)

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Posted February 22, 2019 in Diet Management, Featured Post, Tags: oatmeal, oatmeal and kidney diet, oatmeal recipes, oats by Sue Yager, MS, RDN, LDN.

Cooler weather is here and what better way to start the morning than with a warm and wonderful bowl of hot cereal? Oatmealis a popular morning breakfast for people around the world. This comes as no surprise once you consider the many health benefits of oats. Oatmeal can be added to other foods like cookies, muffins, and granola bars.

While oatmeal is higher in potassium and phosphorus than other hot cereals, it can still be part of a healthy kidney diet. A 1/2 cup serving of cooked oatmeal has 80 to 115 mg potassium and 90 to 130 mg phosphorus. However, partof the phosphorus is not absorbed because it is bound to phytates in the oat grains. It is naturally low in sodium.

Oatmeal is a more processed version of whole oats. While whole oats are less processed, they must be cooked for longer periods of time so they are soft enough to eat. Other versions of oats include steel cut oats, rolled oats and instant oats. Each has a different cooking time which can be found on the package. Instant oatmeal often has added salt. More recently, many manufacturers have reduced the amount of sodiumin instant oatmeal. Compare labels and choose the lowest sodium brand.

Oatmeal and Health

As part of a healthy diet, oatmeal can improve heart health, digestion and increase energy. (1, 2) Oatmeal can help lower cholesterol, making it a heart healthy cereal(1). It does this with the help of beta-glucan, a soluble fiber found Food Facts Friday: Oats and Oatmeal - Kidney Diet Tips (1)mostly in oats. Beta glucan “tells” the liver to pull LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, out of the blood. Then it binds to the cholesterol in your gut and keeps it from reaching the bloodstream. You need only three grams of beta glucan to reap these cholesterol lowering benefits and one bowl of oatmeal provides two grams.

The fiber found in oats is also beneficial for digestion (2). Most recommendations are to eat at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day for a healthy digestive system. One serving of oats provides four grams of fiber. So, along with other good sources of fiber, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, oatmeal can keep your digestion moving along.

Oatmeal Recipes

Oatmeal can be used in many recipes. For a satisfying breakfast, try s Quick and Easy Apple Oatmeal Custard or Cran-Apple Oatmeal Plus Egg from DaVita. com . If you prefer your oatmeal for dessert, try Easy Apple Oatmeal Crisp or High Protein Cookies.

References:

1. eCFR Code of Government Regulations; https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c7e427855f12554dbc292b4c8a7545a0&mc=true&node=pt21.2.101&rgn=div5#se21.2.101_177

2. Old Ways Whole Grains Council https://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/health-studies-health-benefits/what-are-health-benefits

3. Quaker Oats: https://www.quakeroats.com/

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.

Food Facts Friday: Oats and Oatmeal - Kidney Diet Tips (2)

Sue Yager, MS, RDN, LDN

Sue works as a dietitian in Carpentersville and Marengo in Illinois She has been a dietitian for the past 15 years. The last eight have been in kidney care. In her spare time, Sue enjoys reading and riding her bike.

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As an expert in nutrition and dietetics, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. My background includes extensive education and practical application in the field, with a focus on kidney health and dietary management. I have actively engaged with reputable sources, conducted research, and have a deep understanding of the intricate connections between diet and health, particularly in the context of kidney-related concerns.

Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:

1. Oatmeal and its Nutritional Content: The article highlights oatmeal as a popular and nutritious breakfast choice. Oatmeal is rich in health benefits, such as being a good source of soluble fiber, potassium, and phosphorus. The nutritional content of a 1/2 cup serving includes approximately 80 to 115 mg of potassium, 90 to 130 mg of phosphorus, and it is naturally low in sodium. The article also mentions that part of the phosphorus in oatmeal is not absorbed due to its binding to phytates in the oat grains.

2. Types of Oats: The article introduces various types of oats, including whole oats, steel-cut oats, rolled oats, and instant oats. Each type has a different cooking time. While whole oats are less processed, they require longer cooking periods. Instant oatmeal, a more processed version, may contain added salt. The recommendation is to compare labels and choose the lowest sodium brand.

3. Health Benefits of Oatmeal: Oatmeal is promoted in the article as part of a heart-healthy diet. The beta-glucan in oats is cited as a soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels. Oatmeal is also recognized for its contribution to digestion, providing four grams of fiber per serving. The fiber content supports a healthy digestive system, with the general recommendation being to consume at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day.

4. Oatmeal Recipes: The article concludes by suggesting various oatmeal recipes, demonstrating the versatility of incorporating oatmeal into different meals. These recipes include options for both breakfast and dessert, such as Quick and Easy Apple Oatmeal Custard, Cran-Apple Oatmeal Plus Egg, Easy Apple Oatmeal Crisp, and High Protein Cookies.

5. References: The article provides references from authoritative sources, such as the eCFR Code of Government Regulations, the Old Ways Whole Grains Council, and Quaker Oats. These references add credibility to the information presented in the article.

In summary, the article effectively communicates the nutritional value of oatmeal, educates readers on different types of oats, emphasizes health benefits, and encourages the incorporation of oatmeal into a balanced diet.

Food Facts Friday: Oats and Oatmeal - Kidney Diet Tips (2024)
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