Oat flakes are obtained by mechanical processing (flattening) of oat grains. They are used for quick cooking oatmeal, and as the basis for complex grain mixtures. Around the cereal flakes there is much debate about their benefits. Let's try to figure them out.

How to make quick-cooked oatmeal

The process of obtaining instant flakes is lengthy. The grain is collected by the combine, then it is cleaned of impurities at the elevator. Pure oats get into peeling machines, where they remove the hard shell. Then - pour steam and flatten. But it will only be ordinary cereal that needs to be cooked.

Did you know? For the first time oats appeared in Mongolia. Here he grew like a weed among the crops of spelled (a kind of wheat). But he was not completely destroyed, because they knew about its nutritional value.

In order to reduce the cooking process to a couple of minutes, the raw materials are cut, notches are made, again passed through pres and processed with steam. The output is the finest, semi-prepared cereal. At the end of the process, they are dried, cooled, sieved and packed. If necessary, make various nutritional supplements.

Composition of instant oatmeal

The composition of instant oatmeal does not differ much from the usual:

Nutrition value of 100 g:

What is its use

The benefits of instant oatmeal are less than conventional cereal. This is due to the duration of industrial processing, during which some of the nutrients are lost. But nevertheless, micro- and macroelements, vitamins, which are necessary for our body, remain in them.

The introduction of porridge into the diet allows you to cleanse the body of harmful cholesterol, prevent the occurrence of heart attacks, strokes, and improve the functioning of the nervous system. Instant cereal contains a little fiber, but a small amount is enough to gradually clear the body of toxins.

Important! To benefit from quick-cooking cereals, you should avoid eating those that contain (optional) nutritional supplements and taste mimics.

Harm and contraindications

The main harm from instant flakes lies in additives. With them, the manufacturer tries to attract the buyer, slightly caring about the quality of the final product. Usually “instant” cereals are packed with the addition of fruit slices. But their correct processing is a complex and costly process. It is easier for the manufacturer to replace them with flavors, dyes or other food additives.

Often, instead of "exotic" fruits, apples are used that are processed in a special way (using food chemicals) to resemble peaches, apricots, etc. Also, such cereals contain a lot of sugar, which is not good for the body.

Is it possible to eat it for breakfast

Instant cereal suitable for breakfast. But you should not expect that after eating a feeling of hunger will not bother you for long. Due to the low fiber content, the process of assimilation of the product is rapid.

In addition, it will be useful to eat such food only once or twice a week and in an amount of not more than 200 g. Due to the high calorie content with a daily meal, you can quickly gain a few kilograms of excess weight.

Important! It is advisable to abandon instant cereal to diabetics, since rapid absorption of glucose in the blood is possible due to rapid absorption.

How to choose porridge

First of all, try to look for an “instant” breakfast without additives. Carefully study the composition of the product - there should be a minimum of harmful impurities. Check the date and expiration date, integrity of the package. Give preference to products of well-known brands - more likely that the information on the packaging is true.

Quality flakes are white, slightly yellowish with a fresh and mild odor. They do not taste bitter.

Rules for making healthy porridge

Useful oatmeal can be obtained from processed cereals.

It is enough to follow simple rules:

1. Cook in low-fat milk or water.
2. Add dried fruits and nuts to it yourself.
3. If possible, eliminate sweeteners.
4. When cooking, constantly stir the porridge so that it does not burn.
5. Liquid oatmeal is obtained by combining water and flakes in a ratio of 3: 1, semi-viscous - 1: 2.5, viscous - 1: 2.
6. When ready, add oil and let it brew for a couple of minutes.
7. Try to cook the amount that you consume at a time (when cooled, less tasty).

Did you know? In 2016, the world leader in oat production was Russia. Harvesting - 4.76 million tons of grain per year.

The difference between instant oatmeal and regular

The following types of flakes are distinguished, depending on the quality of the feedstock and the nature of its processing:

1. Hercules - polished, peeled grains are cut in half and flattened.
2. Petal or flattened - the same as Hercules, but passed through a corrugated press.
3. "Extra" - obtained from whole or cut cereals of the first grade.

The described product is of three types (differ by numbers):

The thinnest cereal plates have the highest glycemic index among other oat flakes - 75–80. This means that they are absorbed faster by the body. Extra has 35–45, and Hercules and petals have 50–58.

Instant oatmeal is very convenient in situations where there is no time for a full breakfast. It is more useful than fast food, but still does not saturate and tones the body like its slowly digesting counterpart.