What is the difference between oatmeal and instant oatmeal?

The only difference lies in the glycemic index, which is a measurement of how quickly a food increases your blood sugar within a two-hour period. Because instant oatmeal has been processed to cook more quickly, it is also broken down and digested more quickly by your body, giving it a higher glycemic index.

cnn.com - Is instant oatmeal just as healthy as traditional? - CNN.com

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Expert answer

Hi, Andrew. This is an excellent question that I get asked quite often. Oatmeal is a terrific source of heart-healthy whole grains, and I commend you for making the effort to include oats in your diet on a regular basis. To answer your questions, slow-cooked oatmeal can be reheated without losing any nutritional benefits, so that is certainly a good approach if you like the taste of slow-cooked oats. According to Cynthia Harriman, director of food and nutrition strategies for the Whole Grains Council, instant oatmeal, which is often portrayed as nutritionally inferior, is also a whole grain. In fact, in the USDA nutrient database, instant oatmeal possesses the same nutritional profile as regular or quick-cooking oatmeal. The only difference lies in the glycemic index, which is a measurement of how quickly a food increases your blood sugar within a two-hour period. Because instant oatmeal has been processed to cook more quickly, it is also broken down and digested more quickly by your body, giving it a higher glycemic index. Eating a lower glycemic index diet may help improve your cholesterol ratios. To lower the glycemic index of instant oatmeal, all you have to do is combine it with a little lean protein (add low-fat or fat-free milk or a half-scoop of protein powder after cooking) or healthy fat (top with a tablespoon or two of chopped nuts, which are also good for lowering cholesterol). In addition, if you go for instant oatmeal, make sure to check out the ingredient list and nutrition fact panel; many flavored instant oatmeals are loaded with sugar and salt, making them a nutritionally inferior choice. Here is a fun instant oatmeal recipe from Good Eats, a free book produced by the University of New Hampshire Health Services.

For more whole grain recipe ideas, visit the Whole Grains Council.

Dorm room apple crisp

1-2 apples, washed and chopped (no need to peel)

1 package instant oatmeal (cinnamon or brown sugar flavor)

2 teaspoons butter (consider substituting a butter spread with plant sterols for added cholesterol reduction)

1. Put the apple pieces in a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Sprinkle oatmeal over apples and dot with butter.

3. Microwave for a minute.

4. Enjoy!

Variations:

Substitute ½-cup rolled oats, one or two tablespoons brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon for the oatmeal packet.

Top with vanilla yogurt.

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Does oatmeal help sleep?

"Grains in oatmeal trigger insulin production much like whole-grain bread," says Cynthia Pasquella, CCN, CHLC, CWC. "They raise your blood sugar naturally and make you feel sleepy. Oats are also rich in melatonin, which relaxes the body and helps you fall asleep."

goodhousekeeping.com - 13 Nutritionist-Approved Foods That'll Help You Sleep Through the Night

Getting enough sleep can benefit everything from your mood to your immune system, but more than a third of Americans struggle to get the recommended seven (or more!) hours per night. To start catching up on those lost ZZZ's, try tweaking your diet. Getting more minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron on your plate can help kickstart the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep regulation. Research shows that some specific foods — like cherries, nuts, and oats — specifically contain sleep-promoting properties and get you off to dreamland sooner. When it's getting close to bedtime, make sure you're steering clear of heavy fried foods, alcohol, caffeine (like coffee, tea, and energy drinks), and heartburn-inducers such as tomato sauce or orange juice. These can have the exact opposite effect and keep you tossing and turning for longer. Stick to the late-night bites listed below, and peaceful slumber will be yours.

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