Breakfast Perfection

I have always been a huge fan of oatmeal.  It's quick, filling, versatile and delicious.  But oatmeal to me always meant those processed oats that cook in a minute.  Then I read about steel cut oats.  Instead of being flattened and toasted, steamed and rolled, steel cut oats are simply cut into a few pieces with a steel blade.  They are less processed but also take longer to cook.  Instead of a minute they take a good half hour or so to prepare.  But, it's definitely worth it!  They have a chewier texture and somehow feel closer to nature.

Whole grain oats contain 7 B vitamins, vitamin E, and 9 minerals including iron and calcium.  Oats contain twice the protein of wheat or corn flakes, and the soluble fibre that gives oatmeal it's gummy texture helps lower cholesterol.  The soluble fibre in oats pulls water into the upper intestinal tract creating a feeling of fullness that can be an important factor in a weight loss program.

So with the intent to cook up a super healthy and delicious breakfast in mind, I came up with this recipe.  I cooked up my steel cut oats with apples and cinnamon, added some ground flaxseeds and dried cranberries and topped it with chopped walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup. 

Now let's consider each ingredient here....

Flax seeds are the ultimate super food.  I have heard enough benefits from eating these things to want to eat them every single day.  They are high in both soluble and insoluble fibre and therefore help prevent colon cancer and can even prevent some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  They lower cholesterol and help prevent heart disease.  They contain the highest concentration of omega 3 fatty acids in the plant kingdom.  They reduce inflammation, reduce menopausal symptoms, boost the immune system and promote brain health.  The anti-estrogenic effect of eating flax seeds helps reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancers.  I think flax seeds deserve an entire post to themselves, so I'll stop here.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices.  In traditional Indian healing therapy (Ayurveda), cinnamon is used as a remedy for diabetes, indigestion and colds.  Recent scientific evidence suggests that cinnamon may have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels and may help lower cholesterol.

Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of protein.  They are rich in fibre, B vitamins, and antioxidants including vitamin E.  They contain omega 3 fatty acids which lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood vessel elasticity and plaque accumulation.  Phytonutrients found in walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties and can decrease the risk of breast and prostate cancers and help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

And last, but not least..... apples.  In addition to containing vitamins and minerals, fibre and phytonutrients, apples contain pectin which limits the fat absorbed by your cells.  Pectin also helps to cleanse the liver by grabbing toxins and escorting them out of the body.

So with all of those health benefits crammed into one delicious bowl, it's easy to see why I consider this to be Breakfast Perfection.  Give it a try!!