Every morning, my son Tyoma, when asked what he will eat for breakfast - porridge, hot sandwiches, an omelet - answers every other time: “Cereal!” Sometimes I give in, sometimes I don't. Well, what can I do - I don’t trust all these flakes instant cooking...

Text: Katya Stern

A turning point in consciousness

Surprisingly, these frivolous crunchy cereals were invented by a stern man - a Seventh-day Adventist. American John Kellogg, manager of the boarding house where they were treated with dietary nutrition, preached not only healthy image life, but also a refusal of carnal pleasures. He was obsessed with the idea of ​​a healthy alternative to the traditional American breakfast (porridge, bacon, slice of pie). It is not known whether Kellogg conducted experiments on himself, but he gradually came to the conclusion that certain products- wheat, acorns, oats, corn are not only healthy, but also reduce sexual desire. The first experiments were not successful: one of the patients broke a tooth on his healthy crackers. Then Kellogg came up with the idea of ​​passing wheat and corn grains through a press. However, this breakfast option, tasteless and rude, did not impress his clients.

The experimental sample of modern cereals was born by chance. According to one version, the remains of the grain mixture, smeared by Kellogg, dried out thin layer on the stove. According to another legend, one day Kellogg and his brother William, who helped him in his experiments, completely forgot about the soaked wheat grains. Having come to their senses after a couple of days, they tried to grind them and discovered that soaking the grains was precisely what ensured the production of thin flakes.

Fragile reputation

A few years ago cornflakes fell into the category of food harmful to consumers, or “junk food” (from the English junk - garbage). This definition was developed by the British Food Standards Agency. A product falls into the trash category if it meets a certain number of points based on saturated fat, sugar and salt content. Corn flakes have become one of these foods, even though they are fortified with vitamins and minerals.

As for Russia, most often you have to look for information about the composition of products - and cereals, in particular - with a magnifying glass. Upon closer examination, the composition of the flakes is a whole column with a detailed listing of components, including food additives; vitamins and minerals are in last place.

Here, for example, is the composition of Kellogg’s corn flakes with reduced content sugar (per 100g of product): carbohydrates - 90g (30% CH), proteins - 5.3 g (11% CH), fats - 0, salt - 575 mg (24% daily norm), sugar - 27 g, dietary fiber - 1 g (4%), vitamin B, vitamin C, calcium, iron. Calories - 377 kcal (Source: NutritionData).

According to statistics, in families with children under 16 years of age, the level of consumption of cereals and other ready-made breakfasts is twice as high as in families without children. Perhaps that is why buyers interested in healthy eating, questions arise about the usefulness of the cereal. We turn to specialists with these questions.

Cereal is a lazy parent's problem!

Food hygiene doctor, Ph.D. Lyudmila Volkova:

-- What's good about cereal besides being fortified with vitamins?

Indeed, now almost all cereals, or breakfast cereals, are fortified (mainly B vitamins and microelements - calcium, iron, some others). For child's body this is a significant plus. But breakfast cereals are, above all, a source dietary fiber contained in the cereals from which they are prepared. That is, cereals supply complex carbohydrates and natural vitamins. They should be given to the child in the morning once or twice a week, diluted with warm milk.

In my opinion as a consumer and mother, most of the commercially available cereals are too sweet...

Yes, that's right: sugar and (or) honey are added to improve organoleptic qualities, that is taste properties. Information about sugar content is printed on the packaging. But the choice is so wide that you can easily find cereals without icing or added sugar. Moreover, adults can show children by their own example that tasty does not have to be very sweet!

--The cereal contains many nutritional additives. What could this mean for a child’s body?

Flavors (natural, identical to natural or synthetic), dyes (similarly), and vitamins are added to breakfast cereals. Preference should be given to flakes with natural colors and flavors or without them at all. However, some people may experience allergic reactions for vitamin premixes, which are used to enrich this or that product, including breakfast cereals. If such a reaction occurs, you should switch to non-vitaminized analogues. Similar situation may also occur when eating breakfast cereals with cocoa products. The recommendations are the same - switch to cereal without them.

Nutritionist Alexey Dobrovolsky:

Cereals cannot serve as a complete breakfast for either adults or children - these are light carbohydrates in pure form, and eating them is like eating a bun. What is cereal, exactly? Ground refined flour. Another thing is cereal with dried fruits and (or) nuts, that is, muesli is no longer just carbohydrates. There are usually different grains used in muesli, not just corn and wheat. And it’s much healthier for the body; any varied diet to a greater extent compensates for the deficiency nutrients. From this point of view, children need to be more attentive.

Ideally, you should choose muesli with nuts, provided that you are not allergic to them. Corn different types plus nuts (that is, proteins), doused with kefir, milk, juice - this breakfast is enough for four to five hours. I would not recommend dried fruits because they contain large number sugar and are practically useless in terms of vitamins. After you eat dried fruits, it happens sharp jump glucose level, and then the same sharp decline.

-- What if the child refuses to eat muesli instead of cereal?

If a child refuses to have breakfast with anything other than cereal, then it is better to have cereal for breakfast. By and large, this is the problem of his parents, and it lies in the lack of parental authority. Another option: parents don’t have time (or are too lazy) to prepare a nutritious breakfast, or they don’t know how to make it tasty. Although, cook the same rice, add real fruits there - and the child will eat with pleasure! However, in megacities, parents often follow the path of least resistance - it’s much easier to pour cereal, pour milk on it...

--I read somewhere that the refined sugar that is used to coat the cereal is bleached with almost bleach...

Not with bleach, but with lime - and this is absolutely normal for making sugar. They take beets, wash them, cut them, boil them, and then get a concentrated product from them. sugar syrup, which is bleached with special crushed stone. There is nothing terrible here!

Nutritionist Tatiana Chernova:

--Can a child eat cereal every day?

The nutrition of schoolchildren and preschoolers should be varied. The same breakfast - even if you change one cereal for another - is not variety. Moreover, if we're talking about about cereals with sugar, then, getting into oral cavity, sugar causes tooth decay. Also, excess sugar consumption means extra calories.

Of course, muesli is preferable to cereal: it has more fiber. Although they chew worse, which can be a fundamental point for a child. Moreover, the teeth must experience certain loads; If you don’t give it to them and eat soft and pureed food, then they don’t hold up well and spoil. Solid food stimulates blood circulation in the mouth and strengthens teeth. In a word, it is impossible to follow the child’s lead and reduce his nutrition to monotonous food (he wants “balls,” which means we give him only “balls”).

Everyone knows from childhood that the most healthy breakfast- this is a well-known oatmeal. What is special about this dish? What and how are oatmeal made from? The harm and benefits of this product, as well as the main dishes made from it, are discussed in this article. There are also tips on how to properly prepare delicious rolled oats porridge using different recipes.

harm and benefit of the product, production history

Another very common name for this bulk cereal is “Hercules”. But this is just one of many trademarks product. Why are inconspicuous flakes called this way? Initially, oats were considered only suitable for use as horse feed. Thanks to him, the animals had a lot of energy and strength. In the twenties of the last century, after the creation of the Soviet state, oatmeal began to be called similarly to the ancient Greek hero due to the strength and good health hero. This is how they lured children with not very tasty but healthy food. Therefore, the kids tried to devour the viscous dish by both cheeks in order to grow faster and not get sick. To this day, most people call light. In reality, there are completely different oat flakes. The harm and benefits of the product from the quality of grinding do not change in any way. By the way, the negative impact on the body is minimal. Let's list the main positive properties oatmeal and diseases for which it is especially recommended to use them.

Why are they recommended for regular consumption? Contraindications

The fiber contained in flaked oats is surprisingly light and instantly soluble. In addition, the presence of a large amount of protein, vitamins and valuable lysine in the granular mass was discovered - essential amino acid. Once in the stomach, the mixture swells, increasing several times, which creates a feeling of fullness for a long time. long time. For this reason, oatmeal is especially recommended for weight loss. Their harm and benefits are taken into account in diseases gastrointestinal tract. Since the main functions of dishes from this product are saturation and cleansing of the body, you should be wary of including it in the menu in case of adhesions and intestinal obstruction. If you consume flakes with liquid, you also need to know some rules. Even with normal operation of all organs, you should not eat more than 3 tablespoons per day as part of such dishes.

“Hercules” dishes are especially useful for children and the elderly, as they are easily digestible. You also need to regularly include them in the menu when:

Weakened immunity during and after illness;

Syndrome chronic fatigue;

Hormonal imbalance;

Atherosclerosis;

Lack of vitamins (especially in winter and spring);

Disturbed metabolism;

Increased cholesterol levels in the blood;

Constipation and general slagging of the body;

Including the pancreas, gallbladder and liver.

In addition to all of the above, indicators of constant consumption of oatmeal are an unstable nervous system, weakened, brittle nails, faded skin and split ends.

Let's take a look at how and what you can prepare from this amazing and such simple product. We will also analyze in detail how to cook oatmeal so that it retains all its beneficial properties.

What dishes can be prepared from rolled oats?

Few people know that, in addition to traditional porridge, you can make a wide variety of dishes from flakes. The oat product has long been used not only in Russian cuisine, but also, for example, in German, Scottish, Italian, and also in many other European countries. There is no need to mention the classic English breakfast. At the same time, you need to know how to prepare oatmeal so that the dish is not only healthy, but also tasty. For vegetarians and fasting people this a real find. Due to its swelling property, it can successfully replace (sometimes partially, and sometimes completely) meat and fish ingredients in minced meat dishes. Pancakes, casseroles, cutlets, sweet puddings, muesli, jelly, cookies... The list is endless. But still, the classic dish is the famous oatmeal porridge. It is usually served hot with butter or as a side dish for hearty main courses. It is also often used in sweet desserts, combined with jam, honey and fruit. Let's look at the process of cooking a dish step by step.

It is very important to choose the right attitude liquid to dry product. The consistency of the finished dish will depend on this. Do you want to get a very thick porridge so that you can easily eat it even with a fork? Then for each part of oatmeal, take 2-2.5 parts of water, broth or milk. Do you need to cook a thin, sticky, light mixture for your baby? Then the proportions will be slightly different - 1: 3.5. In any case, oatmeal porridge should not boil for longer than 5-7 minutes. For longer cooking times useful substances will be significantly reduced. It is also important to do right choice grinding degree when buying cereal in a store. The finest processed product is intended for children's dishes and for mixing healthy raw mixtures (rolled oats are simply poured with water, kefir or milk before use). Traditional porridge is usually obtained from medium grains. The coarsely ground product is included in cutlets, casseroles and cookies. After boiling the porridge for the required time, wrap it for 10-15 minutes. for swelling.

What oatmeal is the most popular?

Taking into account the opinions of consumers, we can say a few words about the varieties of the product and methods of preparation. What do you think the most popular oatmeal should be? Reviews from experienced housewives say one thing - 100% useful. And here it’s worth talking especially about newfangled instant cereals. When this product appeared on the market, it immediately became very popular. But it’s true: you can prepare a dish quickly and it’s delicious! Is it really that useful? The presence of food additives in the form of flavorings, flavor enhancers and preservatives subsequently forced housewives to return to their proven and old recipes. Craving a sweet fruit dessert? It’s better to add natural fruits, the quality of which you are sure of. Needed You'll have to watch out a little white liquid so that it does not run away, but under no circumstances replace it with dry cream from a bag with instant contents.

As you can see, over time people understand that proper nutrition is a presence on the menu healthy dishes from natural products giving strength and health!

Proper nutrition has a positive effect on human health.
Nutritionists say that perfect breakfast in compliance with the principles proper nutrition- oatmeal porridge, or rolled oats. It will give you a boost of energy for a long time and will not affect your figure.
This porridge has been familiar to many people since childhood, but why is it so famous all over the world? Will eating oatmeal do more good than harm?
French women, known as the slimmest nation, are confident that oatmeal helps them lose weight.
A traditional English breakfast includes this porridge in mandatory. Statistics prove that the British have the lowest percentage of gastrointestinal diseases. This fact makes us think about the benefits of oatmeal for the human body.

What is included in the composition, what is the calorie content of oatmeal

Oatmeal They are steamed and flattened grains of dried oats. Therefore, oatmeal retains the beneficial properties of this cereal. They contain fiber and proteins, which help increase muscle mass. As well as micro- and macroelements, such as:
phosphorus
manganese
iodine
magnesium
selenium
silicon
iron
zinc
calcium
chromium
Oatmeal has a high content of B vitamins and vitamins A, K, PP and E.
Oatmeal has numerous beneficial properties, largely due to the presence of amino acids in its composition, such as lecithin, tryptophan, choline and methonine.
In addition to them, oatmeal also contains organic acids - raspberry, oxalic, pantothenic and nicotinic.
The calorie content of oat flakes is high - 352 kcal per 100 g of dry flakes.
Carbohydrates, a source of energy, are contained in oats in an amount equal to 61.8 g per 100 g of dry product. Therefore, it is recommended to eat rolled oats for breakfast to provide the body with energy for the whole day. 100g contains 12.3g and 6.2g of protein and fat, respectively.
Oats are used as food not only in humans, but also best food for horses and other animals. In England, dark beer is brewed from oats - oatmeal stout. In Scotland, oats are used to make local cheese.

Oat flakes: preparation

Oatmeal in different parts the world is also prepared differently.
The flakes can be boiled or simply filled with water or milk.
In medicine, oats are used as a sedative (in the form alcohol tincture). An infusion of oats in purified water will help you recover from illness and has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
And in for cosmetic purposes oats are used - masks made from oatmeal will help get rid of inflammation and redness on the skin.

What are the benefits of oatmeal for the human body?

The beneficial properties of oatmeal are numerous: regular consumption of oatmeal will help overcome depression and fatigue, prevent nervous disorders, improve general condition person.
What exactly are the benefits of oatmeal for human health is worth considering in more detail.
First of all, oatmeal has a great influence on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Helps with constipation. Recommended for use by people suffering from gastritis, pancreatitis or stomach ulcers. Helps restore intestinal microflora, prevents the appearance of dysbacteriosis;
From the outside cardiovascular system noted positive impact– normalization occurs heart rate. Blood cholesterol and sugar levels are normalized;
The nervous system is strengthened: sleep improves, a person becomes calmer, chronic fatigue syndrome disappears;
Immunity is enhanced by regular breakfasts in the form of oatmeal. Oat decoction is used to restore the body after past illness;
Brain function improves;
Oatmeal helps treat pneumonia and helps get rid of cough if consumed as a decoction with milk;
Helps the process of cleansing and restoring the liver. Normalize kidney function;
Promotes the removal of waste and toxins, prevents the formation of blood clots;
Participate in the process of hematopoiesis, increasing the level of leukocytes;
Oatmeal is an antioxidant, which is necessary to maintain health, beauty and youth;
Helps treat burns and heal wounds;
Positively affect work thyroid gland.
It is recommended to include in the diet of people with problems with the gastrointestinal tract, with disorders cardiovascular activity and prone to appear excess weight. What is very important is for people suffering diabetes mellitus, eating oatmeal porridge is not prohibited.
The benefits of oatmeal for the body are undeniable, especially considering unique composition and beneficial properties of this product. But are there any contraindications for oatmeal? side effects?

Can oatmeal be harmful to the body?

Oatmeal is contraindicated for people suffering from grain intolerance (celiac disease or celiac disease). This is a disease that leads to dire consequences, if treatment is not started on time. The onset of the disease is triggered by eating grains containing gluten.
Eating oatmeal in large quantities leads to the leaching of calcium from the bones and their subsequent deformation. Can cause osteoporosis - increased bone fragility and decreased bone density. This occurs due to the accumulation of phytic acid in the body, which is found in oats.
Instant oat flakes lose their beneficial properties to some extent during processing, compared to regular rolled oats. But they won't do any harm.
Oatmeal has no other contraindications other than individual intolerance.

But what are the benefits of eating oatmeal for pregnant and lactating women?

During pregnancy, a woman needs more folic acid, which reduces the risk of developmental defects of the nervous system and brain of the fetus. One serving of oatmeal contains 15% of the daily requirement of this vitamin for a pregnant woman.
In addition to folic acid, which is vitamin B9, oatmeal also contains other B vitamins.
Thiamine (B1) deficiency affects heart function expectant mother, tachycardia may develop. Shortness of breath, irritability, and sleep disturbances may occur. Thiamine helps eliminate pain in the nerve plexus that occurs at the end of pregnancy.
Riboflavin (B2) helps the absorption of other vitamins and is involved in the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It is necessary for the formation of new blood cells and helps avoid vision problems. Participates in the process of fetal formation, which means that a pregnant woman must definitely avoid this deficiency water-soluble vitamin.
Pyridoxine (B6) is found in large quantities in oatmeal. Helps pregnant women in the treatment of toxicosis, increases the absorption of other B vitamins.
While expecting a baby in a woman's body high risk development iron deficiency anemia, therefore, the use of iron-containing foods and medications is necessary during this period of time. The benefits of oatmeal in this matter are obvious - they contain 20% of the daily requirement of iron.
Constipation is common in pregnant women. As mentioned earlier, oatmeal is used to treat this ailment and normalizes intestinal function.
Calcium and phosphorus are necessary for the formation skeletal system fetus Iodine is necessary to prevent the occurrence of pathologies during brain development. All these nutrients are contained in oatmeal, which is why they are so beneficial for the body of a pregnant woman and the fetus.
IN postpartum period Oatmeal helps a woman’s body recover, especially with large blood loss.
For breastfeeding women, oatmeal will help increase the amount of breast milk.
The use of rolled oats is contraindicated only if you have gluten intolerance.

Oatmeal for children: benefit or harm?

A child’s introduction to porridge occurs in early age. For some mothers, doctors recommend introducing porridge into the baby’s diet from the age of 4 months if the baby is underweight. But due to the gluten content in oatmeal, it is recommended to introduce oatmeal as complementary foods no earlier than the child is 6-8 months old.
In terms of beneficial properties, oat flakes are comparable only to breast milk.
Vitamin A helps in the formation of bones and teeth, improves vision. B vitamins are essential for normal functioning nervous system, liver and kidneys.
Oatmeal gives the child a lot of energy and helps overcome lethargy and drowsiness. It is also important that oatmeal helps strengthen immune system, are prophylactic from obesity and diabetes.
The porridge has a pleasant taste and easily combines with fruits, berries, milk or honey. Therefore, feeding your child such a breakfast will not be difficult.
Oatmeal normalizes the functioning of the stomach and intestines. Therefore, it is recommended for use especially for children who are prone to constipation. If you experience frequent stool liquefaction, it is better to avoid oatmeal.
Oatmeal is very healthy because it is a natural source of energy, vitamins and minerals.

Will eating oatmeal be harmful when losing weight?

The calorie content of oatmeal is quite high, but it is impossible to gain weight from eating them, because they are easily absorbed by the body.
There are even diets based on this product. During such a diet, depression is not a problem, because oats help the body resist stress. A diet based on oatmeal will not bring any harm to the body - they contain a large amount essential vitamins and minerals. Oatmeal promotes elimination excess liquid from the body, improves skin condition.
The energy from a serving of oatmeal will last for a long time, so you are unlikely to want to open the refrigerator again to have a snack.
During the diet, the body will become healthier, the intestines will be cleansed, the condition of hair and nails will improve, and your well-being will improve. Therefore, while losing weight, you can and even need to consume oatmeal.

Oatmeal is a godsend for humanity, because it contains a large amount of nutrients and, most importantly, is of natural origin. Thanks to a few contraindications, oatmeal can be consumed by almost all people, including small children and people who are usually forced to exclude most foods from their diet due to some serious illness.

Corn flakes (or balls) are a favorite breakfast for many children, and even adults. Its preparation does not take much time, which makes the life of housewives very easy. But it is important for its lovers to know whether it is useful for human body, and is such food suitable for everyone?

Calorie content and composition

This breakfast cereal includes:

• vitamins A (retinol), E (tocopherol), PP ( nicotinic acid), H (biotin), group B (B 1, B 2, B5, B6, B9);
• phosphorus (P);
• potassium (K);
• calcium (Ca);
• magnesium (Mg);
• sodium (Na);
• sulfur (S);
• iron (Fe);
• manganese (Mn), etc.

Important! 100 g of product contains 0.8 g of fiber.

Calorie content (per 100 g):

• dry with sugar or syrup - 374–386 kcal;
• dry without sugar and syrup - 364 kcal;
• with milk - 238 kcal.

100 g of product contains:

• 8.7 g protein;
• 1.9 g fat;
• 77.7 g carbohydrates.

Benefits and harms

The market provides consumers with a wide selection of corn flakes: sweet, salty, dietary without sugar, for children, with various additives, etc.

Advertising suggests consuming them with milk for breakfast, lunch and dinner, emphasizing the usefulness of the product and not saying a word about its shortcomings. Is it as useful as they say, and can it be harmful to humans - more on that later.

What are the benefits of corn flakes?

Benefits of the product for humans:

1. Normalizes the emotional background.
2. Improves brain function.
3. Strengthens nerve cells.
4. Takes part in the formation of muscle fibers.
5. Suppresses the development of tumors.
6. Relieves inflammation and stimulates the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
7. Increases appetite.
8. Relieves the body.

Why are they harmful?

Harmful effects of cereal on the body:

1. Breakfasts with high content Sugars can cause the development of caries and diabetes.
2. Cause psychological addiction in people with weak psyches and children.
3. Regular consumption contributes to excess weight gain and, as a result, obesity.
4. A product artificially enriched with vitamins can provoke the development of oncology in a person with a genetic predisposition to cancer.
5. As a result of frying, acrylamide is formed in the flakes, a carcinogen that promotes the development of cancer.
6. Causes allergies in newborns, as well as people with individual intolerance corn.
7. Excessive consumption of dry breakfasts causes flatulence, nausea, and pain.

Did you know? In the West, corn is better known as maize.

Can I eat corn flakes?

There is an opinion that corn breakfast cereals are recommended for people who want to lose weight or improve their health.
Let’s figure out how true this is, and whether women in a special position can eat cereal.

When losing weight

Indeed, corn flakes are included in the diet of those who are on a diet, but not as breakfast, but as a snack. Since the product carries not only benefits, but also harm, it is important to use it correctly.

Important! Only cereals that do not contain sugar and syrup are suitable for weight loss.

Mix it with low-fat yogurt to lower the glycemic index, and eat no more than once a day. It is allowed to add a little honey to the dish, but nothing more.

During pregnancy and pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is also not recommended to eat highly processed foods - it is better to give preference to natural vegetables and fruits.
But there is still no strict prohibition, so you can eat breakfast cereals with milk or yogurt.

At the 36th week, they will still have to be excluded from the diet, since flakes only saturate the mother’s body, and in the absence physical activity contribute to excess weight gain, which negatively affects the baby.

This food is not contraindicated for nursing mothers, as it does not cause allergies in the child. You are allowed to eat only those foods that do not contain gluten, otherwise you should refrain from consuming them.

For gastritis

For gastritis, corn flakes are contraindicated, as they can cause an exacerbation of the disease.
The next stage of the disease is stomach cancer, so it is important to monitor your own diet. It is allowed to eat only food that does not contain gluten (even the slightest mention of it).

For diabetes

For diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2, you can eat corn flakes only in their pure form, without any additives, including sugar. If the disease is more complex, the patient is not recommended to consume corn in any form. A diabetic's diet should consist of foods that do not contain sugar and have a low glycemic index.

For constipation

Due to its high fiber content, flakes are recommended to be added to the diet of people suffering from constipation and colitis. They stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and normalize metabolism.

How to cook corn flakes

The safest corn flakes for your body are homemade ones. For this you only need corn grits and water.

1. Take equal quantity of water and sugar.
2. Heat the mixture, remembering to stir.
3. The result should be thick syrup. Add cereal to it and cook for 2 hours.
4. Having received a thick dense mass, pour it into another container to cool.
5. Next, roll out the cereal using a rolling pin and cut into small pieces.
6. Future flakes are baked in the oven at 300°C until golden brown.

Video: how to cook corn flakes The dish is ready. It can be seasoned with milk, yogurt or kefir, and you can also add honey or fresh fruit.

Did you know?An ear of corn always has an exceptionally even number of flowers, which form an even number of seeds.

Corn flakes, like any other product, carry not only benefits, but also harm to the body. Even if you have no contraindications to consuming them, be careful: eat them no more than 2 times a week and be sure to top them with low-fat milk.

Oats – unique cereal crop. Products made from it not only satisfy hunger, but also improve health. Oatmeal, jelly, soups are prescribed for various diseases gastrointestinal tract. Oatmeal saturates with minerals and lifts your mood. For many, it is simply a favorite treat that gives energy throughout the day.

Composition of oat flakes

The most famous and consumed oat product is oat flakes. The Hercules cereal, familiar from childhood, is now quite in demand and popular. Chemical composition oatmeal brings considerable benefits: it gives health, beauty, longevity. Judge for yourself:

• Increased content fiber helps keep digestive system in tone, cleanses the intestines, promotes soft and easy removal surplus.
• B vitamins found in oat grains are responsible for the condition of the skin, nails, and hair, adding elasticity, strength, and beauty to them.
• Iodine, which is part of the culture, protects your thyroid gland, strengthens nervous system, improves brain function, adding intelligence, reaction, endurance.
• Vitamins A and E allow you to maintain beauty and youth, support women's health.
• Phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, which are abundant in Hercules, monitor the strength and performance of the musculoskeletal system.
• Gluten-free oats are simply irreplaceable for people suffering from celiac disease (intolerance to this component of wheat flour).

Calorie content

Traditionally nutritional value A product is determined by the number of calories it contains, as well as the percentage of proteins, fats and carbohydrates (BJU). Oats, like all cereals, are a high content product complex carbohydrates, calorie content of rolled oats (its energy value) 325 kcal. per 100 g of product. The ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates in the cereal is 12.3: 6.2: 61.8 percent.

Species

To make oatmeal preparation less time-consuming, oats are converted into Hercules or Extra flakes. This is done like this: under production conditions: the cereal is washed, dried, cleared of chaff, polished, and passed through a special apparatus. In it, the grains are flattened into smooth or grooved petals of a given thickness. If the petal is thicker, the porridge requires cooking; thin petals just need to be brewed, that is, pour boiling water over it and let it brew.

The thinnest flakes, made like chips, are sometimes called instant. They are digested faster and absorbed by the body, that is, they have a higher glycemic index. It's convenient, but not very healthy. These cereals fill you up quickly, but the feeling of hunger comes after them within an hour. Therefore, nutritionists recommend Hercules.

What is the difference between rolled oats and oatmeal?

How can you not get confused by the names and distinguish rolled oats from oatmeal or Extra cereal? What is the difference between oatmeal and rolled oats is not a correct question. Oatmeal refers to all products made from oats: rolled cereal, cereals of any kind, oatmeal of any grind. The name "Hercules" originates in the USSR. That was the name of those produced by the Soviet food industry popular oat flakes. In addition to them, you could find Petal and “Extra” oatmeal on sale. They differed in cooking time and medium thickness petal

Why are they useful?

So, oatmeal dishes in the diet - what is it? A tribute to fashion or a miracle product to protect your health? The proven beneficial properties of the product are listed below. The list is impressive:

• oats are a generous source of polysaccharides, necessary for the body for building new cells;
• regular consumption reduces cholesterol and prevents the formation of blood clots;
• improves blood composition, increases its coagulability;
• liquid oatmeal, jelly, and broth normalize kidney function;
• strengthens your nails and hair, and makes your skin healthier and more elastic;
• oatmeal without additives cleanses the intestines and normalizes pH gastric juice, removes toxins and waste from the body;
• oat dishes strengthen memory, increase speed of thinking, and relieve stress;
• Oatmeal strengthens the immune system and improves the overall tone of the body;
• oat products normalize blood pressure and help fight hypertension;
• oats are a food that helps regulate metabolism, which is very important for those watching their weight.

Besides cooking delicious porridge on water or dairy, baked goods, desserts, the product is used in cosmetology as an external remedy (facial masks, mixtures that strengthen hair are prepared). Sprouted grains are added to salads, smoothies for quick recovery body after illness, injury or spring vitamin deficiency. Oat bran added to bread, which will bring many times more benefits than regular baked goods. Truly oats are a tasty doctor, which, moreover, helps to get rid of excess weight.

For weight loss

Did you know that increased level Blood glucose activates appetite, which is difficult to control. Despite the fact that oats are not the lowest-calorie cereal, oatmeal is actively used for weight loss. Their long period processing in the body has a gentle effect on the pancreas. Oatmeal breaks down slowly, its components are absorbed without causing an increase in blood sugar. This is important not only for people with diabetes, but also for those who want to lose weight. However, to control your weight, you need to eat oatmeal correctly.

Harm

Despite the proven benefits of oatmeal, there is an opinion that some types of cereal are harmful. In fact, the harm of instant oats has been greatly exaggerated. Everyone knows the truth: whole grain porridge healthier than cereal. However, you can cook whole grain oatmeal for an hour and it will still be a little tough. The flakes make the porridge tender, but the principle remains the same: the longer the cereal needs to be thermally processed, the healthier it is. Therefore, Hercules flakes are preferable to Extra.

If you are used to eating oatmeal in the morning, do not forget that this is a low-calorie breakfast dish. Satisfying your hunger short time, the cereal will cause severe hunger within an hour. To avoid discomfort, eat it with oatmeal for breakfast. protein food: cottage cheese, egg, piece of fish. In front of everyone unique properties oats, the sometimes recommended oatmeal mono-diet will not benefit your figure or help you look better. Oatmeal is good balanced diet, that's the only way she'll bring it maximum benefit.

How to cook

The first thing that comes to mind when you see a box of cereal is to cook oatmeal in water or milk. But this is not as simple as it may seem. You need to know how to cook Hercules so that the porridge turns out tender, tasty and very healthy. However, traditional porridge is not the only dish based on Hercules or Extra flakes. They are used to prepare soups, desserts, cookies, casseroles, and are added to salads and smoothies. Making oatmeal is a simple matter. By knowing the basic techniques, you can turn oatmeal meals into a feast for the whole family.

Recipes

The recipes below from Hercules will be able to convince your family that oatmeal is not just porridge. Prepare them from time to time to maintain the health of adults and children, give vigor, good mood, energize all family members. Three basic recipes with photos (regular porridge, baked goods, original dessert) can be supplemented with ingredients to suit your taste. A little imagination - and you will find a unique, very tasty, original breakfast.

Porridge

• Cooking time: 20 minutes.
• Number of servings: for two.
• Calorie content of the dish: 172 kcal.
• Purpose: for breakfast.
• Cuisine: Russian.

“Hercules” oatmeal, the recipe for which is given in this section, is boiled in water, and once ready, it is seasoned with additives to taste. There are three secrets to success: buy cereal that requires cooking; do not cook for a long time; add butter generously. Use milk or cream, berries, fruits, and nuts as additives. Strawberries, raspberries, and currants can be sprinkled with sugar before adding to the porridge. The berries will release juice, and their taste in the dish will be brighter.

Ingredients:

• flakes oat Hercules– 1 glass;
• water – 2 glasses;
• salt – 1/3 tsp;
• sugar – 2 tbsp. l. (without slide);
• butter – 25 g.

Cooking method:

1. Boil water with sugar and salt, add oatmeal to it, stir.
2. Cook for three to five minutes. Do not let the porridge “run away”; remove from heat for a few seconds when it rises into foam.
3. Cooked cereal swells, but is not yet cooked, and the finished porridge does not foam. Turn off the heat, add oil. Let the porridge brew for five to ten minutes, stir, and place on plates.
4. Add milk, berries, fresh or dry fruits, and nuts as desired.

Cookie recipe

• Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus one hour of dough resting in the refrigerator).
• Number of servings: up to 10 servings (30 pcs.).
• Calorie content of the dish: 460 kcal.
• Purpose: sweet pastries.
• Cuisine: Russian.
• Difficulty of preparation: easy.

Oatmeal baking is a healthy and tasty treat made from available products, which is easy to prepare and never gets boring. You can add whatever you like to the round thick cookies: raisins, dried apricots, pieces of prunes, chocolate chips. These delicious shortcakes can be stored for up to seven days and can be baked for future use. Just don’t put it in a visible place - cookies tend to get eaten quickly. Before making cookies, you need to choose finely ground flakes for the dish (as opposed to porridge), for example, one of the varieties of Extra oatmeal.

Ingredients:

• sugar – 2/3 cup;
• wheat flour – 1.5 cups;
• butter – 100 g;
• baking powder - 2 tsp.

Cooking method:

1. Grind the butter and sugar into a homogeneous mass, add eggs one at a time, mix.
2. Mix oatmeal with the resulting mixture.
3. Mix the baking powder and flour into the dough, which should become thick.
4. Leave the dough packed in a bag (film) in the refrigerator for an hour.
5. The baking tray needs to be greased with oil. Place small pieces of dough on it, tearing them off from a large lump. Make the cookies round and flat, about 1 cm thick. Once baked, they will rise and increase in diameter, do not pack them too tightly.
6. Cook the shortcakes in the oven for 15-20 minutes at a temperature of 175-185 degrees.

Dessert

• Cooking time: 40 minutes.
• Number of servings: for two.
• Calorie content of the dish: 172 kcal.
• Purpose: for breakfast.
• Cuisine: Russian.
• Difficulty of preparation: easy.

An unusually tasty and original dessert can be prepared from oatmeal Extra fast cooking. Judging by the reviews, even those who don’t like oatmeal like this alternative to oatmeal. Offer the dish to your children to show them that healthy food can be very tasty. This low-calorie dessert is so healthy that it should definitely diversify your family’s menu.

Ingredients:

• Extra oat flakes – 1.5 cups;
• milk – 2/3 cup;
• sour cream – 1/3 cup;
• vegetable oil – 1/4 cup;
• raisins – 40 g;
• almond petals – 30 g;
• salt – 1/3 tsp;
• soda – 1/2 tsp;
• citric acid – 1/3 tsp;
• roasted almonds – 30 g.

Cooking method:

1. Mix oatmeal with sugar, salt, soda, citric acid, add almond petals.
2. In a separate bowl (jar), thoroughly mix sour cream, milk, and butter.
3. Pour the milk component into the dry mixture.
4. Add raisins, stir the mixture, pour into a baking dish.
5. The mass must be baked at a temperature of 175-185 degrees, baking time is 25 minutes.
6. Spoon the cooled dessert into the bowls and sprinkle with chopped roasted almonds.

Video