It seems these days that many of us are searching for exotic and rare superfoods that end up leaving a gaping hole in our wallets and bank balances .
Oats are a fantastic superfood for men, that is consistently rated highly, on par with other pricey health foods. That’s the beauty of porridge. its cheap, it’s tasty and requires very little culinary skill to prepare.
What are the real benefits of this morning bowl of goodness for men looking for better nutrition?
The Benefits of Porridge for Men
Appetite Reduction
Porridge has a high amount of dietary fibre, which helps to keep you full. A major problem with guys as they get older is feeling hungry and overeating (especially after the gym and working out).
The fibre in porridge helps prevent you from feeling hunger pangs, so it becomes easier to control your weight.
Fibre also helps keep blood-sugar levels on an even keel and reduces the risk for high cholesterol. A pot of MOMA porridge for instance, contains about 5.5g grams of fibre. Men should try to consume at least 30 grams a day, so porridge is a great way to start increasing those levels of fibre, right from the very start of your day.
Increased Energy
Carbohydrates are known as macronutrients which are really important for both good brain function and energy to get through the day. The complex carbs in porridge get digested at a slow place and allow for oxygen. Iron helps transport the haemoglobin around your muscles and other area of the body – this is really important for men when they do cardio exercise when working out. The easier blood can reach muscles, the more effective the workout.
Building Muscles
On the topic of muscles, porridge contains heaps of prosperous (1 bowl of oats can contain a quarter of your recommended intake). Phosphorous is a mineral that is stored in your bones and helps with energy production and muscle recovery after your gym session.
Adding seeds and nuts to your morning bowl of porridge will increase the amount of phosphorus in your meal.
Strong Bones
Calcium is similar to phosphorus in that it helps strengthen teeth and bones. Calcium is also helpful when it comes to nerve transmission and muscle function. The daily recommended intake of calcium for men aged 19 to 70 is 1,000 milligrams. One bowl of porridge contains nearly a fifth of this. By preparing a pot of MOMA porridge and adding a spoonful of yogurt and a sprinkle of almonds, you will be getting a huge fix of calcium in the morning
Men friendly porridge toppings
Cinnamon- Adding half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to your porridge could reduce your risk of heart disease, which accounts for 16% of male deaths in the UK per year, so doing everything possible to counteract this is a bonus.
Blueberries- Blueberries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants in the world, and research from the American Journal of Nutrition has shown that eating blueberries can reduce blood pressure by 10%. Buying frozen blueberries to stir into a bowl of hot porridge is a great way of saving some cash on fresh fruit.
Proats- The new big thing in the world of porridge is Proats. A simple way to introduce more of the fastest digesting protein on the planet into your diet is to add some whey protein to your morning porridge. Pick your favourite flavour and stir well to avoid clumping.
Almonds- High in magnesium, vitamin E and protein. These nuts lower cholesterol and contribute towards a longer life. For every day of the week you eat some almonds, you will be helping increase your lifespan.
Yogurt- A dollop of yoghurt is another tasty way to increase calcium and protein levels for men. A daily serving can help to block the ability of your cells to store fat, while encouraging your body to retain lean muscle tissue.
Mix and Match for ultimate gains
- Combine Yogurt and blueberries for fat burning
- Combine whey protein with raisins or banana for a pre workout breakfast
- Combine almonds and cinnamon for an invincible heart
