Oatmeal is one of the healthiest breakfast staples available. Oats are whole grains rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
A warm, hearty bowl of porridge made of Quaker Oats in the morning is a very nutritious way to kickstart the day. Full of vital nutrients, it is safe for pregnant women.
Quaker Oats Company has been around for more than 140 years (since 1877!). If you want to know more about these world-famous oats, read on.
Table of Contents
What kind of oats are Quaker Oats?
There are four types of Quaker Oats – traditional or old-fashioned, steel-cut, quick-cook, and instant. All four types of oats are initially kernels of grain which are then processed differently leading to different results.
All four varieties of oats are low in saturated fats and cholesterol and may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Old fashioned or traditional Quaker Oats (also called rolled oats)
They are flat and flakey and they absorb more water and cook quickly (usually in about 5 minutes). This type of oats is used in granola bars, cookies, and muffins.
- Steel Cut Quaker Oats
These oats are big in size and have a tough, chewy texture. So, they take about 20-30 minutes to prepare. Steel Cut oatmeal is also called Irish oatmeal.
- Quick Cook Quaker Oats
True to its name, this variety of oats can be cooked very quickly on the stove in only one minute. These oats can also be microwaved when in a hurry.
- Instant Quaker Oats
These oats are great for mornings when you need a quick bite. They are individually packed and are a thinner, softer version of rolled oats. They can be microwaved in a couple of minutes.
The difference here is basically in the processing, texture, and time required to cook. The health quotient remains the same in the case of all four varieties of oats.
What are the benefits of Quaker Oats?
Cooked oats or oatmeal have a wide range of benefits. It is a very nutritious meal to enjoy in the mornings.
One of the major benefits of oatmeal prepared from Quaker Oats is the reduction of bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. Research shows that eating oats is linked to a 7% drop in LDL cholesterol. This makes Quaker Oats a heart-friendly meal.
Quaker Oats also lowers blood sugar levels, reduces the risk of colon cancer, and brings down skin irritations.
The high fiber content in Quaker Oats promotes healthy gut bacteria thereby improving gut health and reducing constipation. Quaker Oats is also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc, and many vitamins.
A unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides is solely found in oats which reduces blood sugar levels. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects.
Apart from these myriad benefits, oatmeal is a very filling meal that will keep you full for a long time, automatically reduce your daily calorie intake and help you in losing weight.
What are Quaker Oats made of?
Quaker Oats is made up of only one ingredient – 100% whole grain oats. Oats is one of the most nutritious grains in the world, and a rich source of carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Gluten
Oats are naturally gluten-free grains. But, during farming, transportation, and storage, they might come in contact with gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye, and barley.
Quaker has also introduced a separate gluten-free oats range, which can be enjoyed by its gluten intolerant customers as well.
Carbohydrates
Yes. Quaker Oats is a great source of carbohydrates. You do not need to worry about its high carb content as it is full of good, healthy carbs which you need to fuel your body.
A bowl of oatmeal breaks down to become energy that is very slowly absorbed into your body. This ensures that you stay full for a long time without consuming a ton of calories and carbs every now and then.
Sugar
No. Quaker Oats does not contain sugar. Usually, people add fruits to incorporate the sweet element in their morning oatmeal.
Glyphosate
Yes, the classic variety of Quaker Oats does contain glyphosate. This is a widely used herbicide that controls broadleaf weeds and grasses. Glyphosate is often sprayed on non-GMO crops like oats to dry them out so they can be harvested sooner.
An Environmental Working Group (EWG) report states that Quaker Old Fashioned Oats contains close to 1,300 parts per billion (ppb) of glyphosate which is well above-average.
The scientific community is divided on the toxicity of glyphosate. While experts agree that there is almost no short-term negative impact, opinion is divided on the long-term effects of glyphosate. While some studies suggest that glyphosate might be linked to cancer, others deny any such connection.
There are similar controversies regarding the other possible effects of glyphosate like liver and kidney damage, endocrine system damage, and harmful impact on pregnant women and children.
If you are worried about glyphosate being present in your morning oatmeal, then you can consider eating from the three varieties of Quaker Oats leaving out the traditional type.
Fiber
Yes. Quaker Oats contains a good amount of soluble beta-glucan fiber. Fiber-loaded foods help to reduce constipation, normalize bowel movements and check cholesterol levels.
Sodium
No, Quaker Oats is a sodium-free breakfast option. High sodium intake can impact your high blood sugar levels. Consuming a warm, hearty bowl of Quaker oatmeal regularly will help you to keep your sodium intake in check.
Iron
Yes, as already mentioned, Quaker Oats is a good source of various minerals, including but not limited to iron. One 50 gram serving of Quaker Oats contains almost 10 mg of iron.
Yeast
No, Quaker Oats does not contain yeast. For people who are allergic to yeast, Quaker Oats is a viable meal option.
Vitamin D
Yes, Quaker Oats is a rich source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is one of the most essential vitamins necessary for the proper functioning of the human body, and most people have a moderate to severe vitamin D deficiency.
To amp up your regular vitamin D intake, it is wise to start your day with a bowl of oatmeal made from Quaker Oats. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium and phosphate which in turn is vital for keeping bones, teeth, and muscles healthy.
Fat
Quaker Oats contains saturated fat but in very limited quantity. While it does not contain any cholesterol, you must know that saturated fat can contribute to cholesterol buildup in the bloodstream. However, the amount of saturated fat in Quaker Oats is not high enough to cause concern.
Preservatives
No, Quaker Oats is free from any and all kinds of artificial preservatives. The only chemical that might remain is glyphosate in the Old Fashioned Quaker Oats.
Is Quaker Oats good for weight loss or weight gain?
Well, both actually. You can regularly eat Quaker oatmeal if you are looking to shed off some extra pounds, or if you want to gain a few pounds.
Oats are a highly recommended food for those who want to gain weight. You should prepare your Quaker oatmeal with full cream milk or creamy yogurt, and add calorie-rich toppings like almonds, walnuts, dates, apricots, honey, and peanut butter.
Again, oats can help you lose weight by eating it in a slightly different manner. Since oats are high in soluble fiber content, it keeps you full for a long time; thereby automatically reducing your daily calorie intake.
Moreover, you can eat Quaker oatmeal in small portions to decrease the calorie content of your breakfast. Also, you can add fresh fruits as toppings instead of nuts and dried fruits to make the oatmeal a nutritious, low calorie-content meal.
Is Quaker oats good for diabetics?
Yes, Quaker Oats has a low glycemic index and so it helps control the blood glucose levels. Quaker oatmeal can be a suitable breakfast staple for diabetic people.
Is Quaker Oats good for pregnant women?
Yes. During those trying nine months, the pregnant mother requires all the vitamins and minerals she can acquire to nurture her baby and keep herself nourished. Quaker Oats contain a lot of these essential nutrients such as iron, folic acid, vitamins B1, D, and E.
Also, the high quantity of soluble fiber in Quaker Oats keeps bowel movements regular and normal, while easing constipation tendencies.
Is Quaker Oats good for hypothyroidism?
Yes – although there is no prescribed diet for people with hypothyroidism, there are certain foods that can increase your metabolism and therefore help your thyroid gland. As Quaker Oats is rich in fiber, the human body has to increase the rate of metabolism to digest it.
Also, Quaker Oats contains selenium, iron, manganese, zinc, and certain anti-cancer and anti-aging enzymes which can only help your body.
Is Quaker Oats good for dialysis patients?
Yes, steel-cut Quaker Oats is ideal for dialysis patients since it is closest to the original, unprocessed state of oats. Instant Quaker Oats should be avoided by dialysis patients as it is highly processed and has high quantities of potassium and phosphorus which has to be processed by the kidneys.
So, whole oats or steel-cut oats are suggested for dialysis patients as they will not put any additional burden on the kidneys.
Is Quaker Oats good for babies?
Yes, Quaker Oats is a rich source of many vital nutrients and is high in beta-glucan fiber that helps regulate bowel movements. So you can feed your babies a warm, hearty bowl of Quaker oatmeal; but only after they are at least six months old. Before six months of age, only breast milk is recommended for babies.
After that, as the appetite of the baby starts increasing, Quaker oatmeal can be a suitable meal option to offer her. However, make sure your prepare oatmeal with water.
Is Quaker Oats good for dogs?
Yes, Quaker oatmeal can be a great addition to your dog’s diet as it is an extremely nutritious food with high fiber content. But keep in mind that oatmeal for dogs needs to be prepared with water and not milk.
Also, Quaker Oats can be one of the elements of your dog’s diet. It should not be replacing traditional dog food.
Is Quaker Oats good for hyperthyroidism?
Yes, eating certain types of foods can help reduce the underlying conditions that cause hyperthyroidism. Foods rich in selenium such as Quaker Oats can help with hyperthyroidism. If you are already taking selenium supplements, then oats would not be of any additional help to you.
Is Quaker Oats good for acid reflux?
Yes, Quaker Oats can help reduce your acid reflux symptoms. As it is a whole grain and high in fiber, it aids in digestion and bowel movements. Also, Quaker oatmeal will absorb the acid in your stomach and thereby reduce acid reflux tendencies. Oatmeal is a selenium-rich food that can protect your esophagus from painful acids.
Is Quaker Oats bad for the kidney?
Instant, highly processed oats are bad for your kidney. On the other hand, the relatively unprocessed, steel-cut oats are not that harmful to your kidneys. Minerals like sodium and potassium need to be limited to a healthy renal diet.
As the steel-cut oats are closest to the original unprocessed state of wholegrain oats which are low in sodium and potassium, a person suffering from kidney problems should stick to Quaker Steel Cut Oats.
Can Quaker Oats cause bloating or gas?
Quaker Oats can cause bloating and gas if your regular diet does not include a lot of fibrous food. It is wise to introduce oatmeal gradually into your diet and not too much at once, especially if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Generally, oats can help reduce bloating as their beta-glucan fiber has anti-inflammatory properties.
Can Quaker Oats cause constipation?
No. Quaker Oats do not cause constipation. On the contrary, the high amount of fiber in Quaker Oats can help treat people witnessing constipation.
Can Quaker Oats cause diarrhea?
No, oatmeal is sometimes recommended to people suffering from diarrhea as the soluble fiber in it binds the poop and makes it firm.
However, eating too much Quaker Oats suddenly can cause diarrhea. But, if oats are a part of your regular meal plan, they should not lead to diarrhea.
Can Quaker Oats cause cancer?
The only possible carcinogenic element present in Quaker Oats is the herbicide glyphosate. While the scientific community is torn between the possibility as to whether glyphosate is a carcinogen or not, the EWG has assured that 0.16 ppm or 160 ppb is a safe level of glyphosate in your food.
Now, the issue is Quaker Old Fashioned Oats contains around 1000 ppb glyphosate. According to the manufacturer, glyphosate is sometimes added by farmers during pre-harvest.
After the oats are transported to the Quaker facility, they are properly cleaned so that only trace amounts of glyphosate might remain in them. This is within the glyphosate limits set by EPA ( Environmental Protection Agency).
If you are still worried about the cancerous impact of Quaker Oats, it’s best to stick to the three varieties of Quaker Oats that are free of glyphosate.
Does Quaker Oats go bad?
Quaker Oats does come with an expiry date. Rolled, instant, and steel-cut oats have a shelf life of at least one year. They can stay alright for as long as 2 years if they are properly stored in an air-tight container.
References:
- https://www.quakeroats.com/
- https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/030000410004-QuakerOats100NaturalWholeGrainOldFashionedOldFashioned/
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