Oats vs Oatmeal

People often confuse oats with oatmeal. But in reality, they are two different food items. Here, we will focus on the points which will help you differentiate between the two. Oatmeal is the processed version of oats (raw). Oat groats are tough to be prepared as compared to oatmeal.

Oats:

It is among the healthiest grain on earth and also helps in preventing a lot of diseases. Being gluten-free, oats are a great source of vital nutrients including vitamins, fiber, minerals, antioxidants, etc.

Scientifically known as Avena sativa, raw oats takes a long time to cook. Whole oats contain a group of antioxidants known as Avananthramides which helps in lowering blood pressure levels by increasing the production of nitric oxide.

Summary: Whole oats are commonly eaten in breakfast in the form of oatmeal. It helps in providing the required nutrients in the body and preventing us from many diseases.

Oatmeal:

They are commonly referred to as porridge. It also includes pancakes, granola bars, muffins, cookies, etc. Oatmeals are not only delicious but also very filling. Having an oatmeal one time in a day helps you in weight management and also provides you good health.

The beta-glucan present in oatmeal helps in releasing peptide YY (PYY), a hormone produced in the gut. This hormone helps in reducing calorie intake and also helps in reducing the risk of obesity.

Summary: Consuming a bowl of oatmeal in a day helps you in weight loss by filling your stomach. It also promotes slow digestion which helps in eating less.

Homemade Healthy Oatmeal Recipes

Here, we have provided some delicious oatmeals that are easy to cook and luscious to eat:

1. Oatmeal with milk

   Ingredients

   • ½ cup of rolled oats
   • 1 cup of water
   • A pinch of sea salt
   • Topping of your choice

   How to Cook

   • Add oats, water/milk and salt in a pan over medium heat
   • Boil the mixture for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally
   • Your oatmeal is ready when the mixture turns mushy and creamy
   • Serve it by adding your favorite toppings
2. Mexican oatmeal

   Ingredients

   • 1 spoon Oil
   • 2 Garlic cloves
   • ¾ cup oats
   • ½ spoon Taco Seasoning
   • ¼ spoon Paprika Powder
   • ½ spoon Lime Juice
   • 2 cups Water
   • Salt to taste
   • Corn, Salsa, grated Cheddar, Avocado and Jalapeno for topping

   How To Make

   • Heat oil in the pan and add garlic
   • Cook for 20 seconds till fragrant
   • Add oats, taco seasoning, paprika powder, lime juice, water and salt
   • Mix well and boil
   • Simmer till oats are cooked and thickened up
   • Serve hot by adding the toppings of your choice
3. Masala Oatmeal

   Ingredients

   • Olive oil
   • Fennel seeds
   • Garlic
   • onions
   • Veggies
   • Turmeric powder
   • Cumin powder
   • Dry mango powder (amchur)
   • Chili powder
   • Garam masala
   • Water
   • Old fashion/steel cut oats
   • Salt
   • Cilantro (to garnish)

   How To Cook

   • Heat the oil and put fennel seeds and garlic until fragrant
   • Saute some onions and vegetables
   • Add turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala and spices of your choice
   • Add water, oats and salt and let it cover until oats are thickened
   • Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot
4. Overnight oatmeal

   Ingredients:

   • 8 cups of water
   • 2 cups steel-cut oats
   • 1/3 cup cranberries (dried)
   • 1/3 cup dried apricots (chopped)
   • Salt to taste

   How To Cook:

   • Combine water, oats, dried cranberries, apricots and salt in a cooker
   • Turn heat to medium and put the lid to cook until the oats turn mushy
   • Serve hot
5. Almonds Oatmeal recipe

   Ingredients

   • 3 spoons rolled oats
   • 10 almonds
   • 2 spoons dry black grapes
   • 2 spoons raisins
   • 200 ml water

   How to Cook

   • Boil water for about 2 minutes on low flame
   • Wash dry black grapes and raisins with tap water
   • Cut almonds into small pieces or grind them
   • Now, add dry black grapes, raisins, and almonds to the boiling water
   • Wait for 10 to 20 seconds
   • Add rolled oats to the mixture
   • Stir it for 1 or 2 minutes till you get a semi-liquid paste texture
   • Your healthy oatmeal breakfast is ready now
6. Peanut and banana oatmeal recipe

   Ingredients

   • ½ cup rolled oats
   • ½ cup of water
   • ½ cup of milk
   • Salt to taste
   • ¼ spoon of cinnamon powder
   • Ripe Banana
   • Peanut butter/ almond butter
   • Pumpkin seeds
   • Walnuts as needed
   • Banana more for serving
   • Honey or maple syrup

   How To Cook

   • Take oats, milk, water, banana, salt and cinnamon in a saucepan and cook for 5 to 6 mins
   • Pour the mixture in the bowl
   • Add desired toppings and drizzle with honey or maple syrup
   • Serve hot

Conclusion: Apart from these, there are many more dishes you can cook and also you can try making recipes of your choice. These oatmeals do not only enhance your taste buds but also provide you complete nutrients required in your body. Consuming a bowl of oatmeal keeps you fit, strong and active for a longer run.