Light oatmeal cookies: nutritional properties and how to take them

Light oatmeal cookies are known for their nutritional and energy benefits and, because it is a healthy food. They can be included at breakfast, as a snack, as a snack... In addition, they are easy to carry (in your bag, for example).

In this article we will know the nutritional properties of light oatmeal cookies, and we will see some ideas on how to take them. In addition, we will also talk about its benefits, as well as the benefits of oats in general, a cereal widely consumed worldwide.

• Recommended article: "18 meals to take to work (or wherever you want)"

Light oatmeal cookies: are they healthy?

Light oatmeal cookies are cookies with a reduced calorie, sugar and fat content; This reduction must be at least 30% compared to the original oatmeal cookies (and so with all products or light foods).

Oatmeal is a cereal well known for its healthy and balanced properties. In fact, it is one of the most consumed cereals worldwide. Another positive property of oatmeal is that you can cook different dishes or recipes with it. An example is oatmeal cookies.

Oatmeal cookies are very nutritious for the body. A remarkable property of oats is that it helps to enhance muscle mass, and also enhances our performance when we train.

1. Oatmeal

Returning to oats, what characterizes oats nutritionally? It is a type of cereal with high levels of carbohydrates; These are complex and slowly absorbed, which means that they provide us with long-term energy.

In addition, these hydrates are a source of protein for our body, specifically, proteins of plant origin, which is even healthier. Thus, oats provide a series of nutritional properties that contribute to maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.

Oats are also rich in unsaturated fats, which have remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power. These fats also protect our muscles and our joints against possible discomfort and in the event that we have any risk of injury.

2. Light oatmeal cookies

Oats can be taken in different ways; one of the most common is rolled oats. But oatmeal cookies are also a good option, either buying them or cooking them ourselves. These can be taken for breakfast, for a mid-morning snack, for a snack, etc. Virtually any time is good.

If the oatmeal cookies are also light, their fat, sugar and calorie content is lower than that of the original cookies (not light) (at least 30% less). That is, they are even healthier and less fattening. The most outstanding nutritional properties of light oatmeal cookies are: the energy they provide and their balanced nutrient supply.

In addition, if we prepare them at home, we can keep them for several days in hermetic containers or "tuppers" (they keep quite fresh).

Oatmeal in cookies: properties and benefits

We are going to summarize some of the nutritional properties and benefits of oatmeal in light oatmeal cookies.

1. Reduces cholesterol levels

The oats contains soluble fiber that helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels; LDL cholesterol is "bad" cholesterol ("good" cholesterol is HDL).

• It may interest you: "10 home remedies to lower cholesterol"

2. Facilitates digestion

In addition, the soluble fiber contained in light oatmeal cookies helps us have a more leisurely digestion of starch; this means that our digestion is easier, and in that we excrete more often and more easily (facilitating our intestinal transit and preventing constipation).

3. Benefits diabetic people

This last fact that we mentioned about starch, makes light oatmeal cookies a good option for people with high sugar levels or diabetes, as the slow digestion of starch reduces sugar levels in blood.

Thus, for diabetic people, the consumption of oats can be very beneficial, since reducing the speed of digestion decreases the production and presence of sugar in the blood, as we have seen.

4. Lowers the risk of heart problems

It is also known that people who eat oats on a regular basis, for example in cookies, are less likely to have heart problems or disorders, as well as different heart diseases. Obviously we would have to consume a lot of oats and for a long period of time to benefit from this effect.

5. Provides great nutrients

Oats are also a great source of nutrients and minerals. Among them we find: selenium, vitamin E, zinc, iron, copper and manganese.

These nutrients and minerals can help us reduce anemia (iron and vitamin deficiency), as well as other deficiencies.

6. May reduce the risk of cancer

Some studies also point to the benefits of oats to reduce the risk of developing cancer in the future; This is due to the phytochemicals it contains, which reduce its risk.

What are phytochemicals? It is a type of substances that we can find in some foods of plant origin and that, although they are not essential nutrients for life, they do provide great benefits to our health.

7. Power our brain

Light oatmeal cookies (and oatmeal in general) they also help boost our central system (brain), thanks to its great contribution of Vitamin B. In addition, they can also prevent thyroid problems (from iodine) and osteoporosis (from calcium).

How to take light oatmeal cookies?

As we said, light oatmeal cookies can be eaten at different times of the day and in different ways.

1. Breakfast

Light oatmeal cookies can be taken for breakfast, accompanied by milk, yogurt or a piece of fruit, for example. They can also be taken with a coffee or with a couple of toasts and cold cuts. The options are multiple and varied, and will depend on the taste and need of each one.

2. Mid-morning snack

Another idea to have light oatmeal cookies is mid-morning or mid-afternoon, with the excuse of "pecking" something before eating. They will help us to reduce the feeling of hunger and they will practically not make us fat. We can take them alone or with some other food (for example a piece of fruit).

3. Snack

At the time of having a snack we can also choose this food. We can take them alone, with milk, with a yogurt, with a coffee... Just like in the morning. In addition, you can add chocolate shavings.

Bibliographic references

• Astiasarán, I., Laceras, B., Ariño, A. and Martínez, A. (2003). Food and nutrition in health practice. Diaz de Santos. Madrid.

• Carbajal, A. (2018). Nutrition and Dietetics Manual. Nutrition Department. Pharmacy faculty. Complutense University of Madrid. 1-72.

• Mataix, J. (2005). Nutrition for educators. 2nd ed. Diaz de Santos. Madrid.