Old-fashioned oatmeal has a lower glycemic index than quick-cooking (5 minute) oatmeal. I’ve heard it’s better in other ways also – more fiber, for example. Does the extra processing of the quick oatmeal really affect it that much? Does it affect things other than glycemic index, such as cholesterol-lowering ability, benefits to the heart, fiber content, etc? If you cook old-fashioned oatmeal a longer time, does it become no better than quick oatmeal (since the fiber may be softer or more broken)?
ps – I am asking about the unflavored “Quick-cooking” or “5-minute” oats, not the instant oatmeal. Put another way: if I put some “Old-fashioned” oats in a blender so they are cut into smaller pieces, does it affect the benefits for cholesteral, heart, etc?
10:06 am on May 29th, 2010
Very good question, but I think you have answered it yourself.
I use both.
10:07 am on May 29th, 2010
Old fashioned oatmeal is better than the instant oatmeal because you get to sweeten it to taste and it contains less sodium.
10:43 am on May 29th, 2010
old fashion is natural and not processed and fake
10:55 am on May 29th, 2010
Old fashioned has better texture and flavor.
Steel Cut is even yummier and has a nutty texture.
I love Oats!
Healthy and Taste good…..
Peace.
11:21 am on May 29th, 2010
Both kinds of oatmeal are made from the same basic grain, so the fiber is probably about the same, but instant oatmeal is cut into much smaller pieces and has more sodium added. The reason that Old Fashioned Oatmeal is better for you and has a higher glycemic index is that the larger grains digest more slowly, and therefore don’t dump all their carbs into your system at once. That’s why Old Fashioned Oatmeal will also make you feel full longer, too, which makes it a great breakfast food for dieters and diabetics.