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If you are looking for a healthy and easy breakfast meal to start off your day with, reach for a carton of oatmeal. Even though oatmeal can be bland on its own, there are several add-ons, such as fruits and nuts that can make it delicious without adding on too many calories. Aside from its versatility, ease and flavor, here are five more reasons why you should eat more oatmeal.

1. Keeps you full

Oatmeal can keep you full for a longer period of time due to the high fiber content. Just one cup of cooked oatmeal has four grams of fiber. Being full and satisfied throughout the morning can boost cognitive health and energy levels. In addition, you are less likely to crave unhealthy snacks in between breakfast and lunch.

2. Lowers cholesterol

Foods that are high in fiber, like oatmeal, can help reduce cholesterol. According to experts, soluble fiber can prevent the body from absorbing too much LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol. LDL cholesterol has been linked to increasing risk of heart attacks and strokes.

3. Reduces risk of colorectal cancer

Oatmeal can also reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, according to a 2011 review. The researchers found that people who ate high-fiber, whole-grain foods had a lower risk of colorectal cancer in comparison to people who did not intake as many whole grains.

4. Protects the heart

Oatmeal contains a plant chemical called lignans. Lignans, which are also sourced from flax seeds, broccoli and apricots, have been linked to protecting heart health.

5. It is cheap

Since oatmeal is very cheap, it reinforces the idea that eating healthy can be easy. Oftentimes people believe that healthy eating is expensive, and therefore, unattainable. In addition, the extra money you save from eating oatmeal can be used to buy other healthy ingredients.