Instant food did not appear by chance. The modern rhythm of life dictates its own conditions, often leaving no time for cooking. Nutritionists and doctors like to argue about the dangers or benefits of instant cereals, dry soups, and mashed potatoes. Manufacturers try to improve the characteristics of their product and add as many useful components as possible to the composition: nuts, dried berries, and so on. How justified it is and whether it gives the desired effect, you should learn more.
Mixture composition
Instant cereals have a high glycemic index. For example, in dishes prepared from whole grains of kilocalories contains no more than 45, while in a product from a single package there are already 80 such calories. On the one hand, it allows you to quickly get enough, and on the other hand, a large enough amount of glucose can harm the body . Due to the high processing of grains, they lose a lot of useful substances that are contained in the shell.
Manufacturers do not skimp on sugar and often put it without measure. As a result, most of the compositions are quite sweet and even somewhat sugary.
What is the harm
Fiber in such mixtures has a minimal amount, which adversely affects the digestion process. With regular use of this product, a person gets a metabolic disorder. Therefore, it is advisable to eat instant cereal no more than once every three days. In addition, they contain a large number of preservatives, as well as often dyes and flavors.
They contain a lot of starch, which leads to diarrhea, bloating and flatulence. As a result, a person develops weakness, drowsiness, and mood worsens. Starch has an extremely adverse effect on beneficial microflora and makes it possible for pathogenic microorganisms to multiply. It glues the villi on the walls of the stomach and interferes with the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Ultimately, the process of rotting food begins. It is characterized by all of the above symptoms, as well as bad breath.
The benefits of instant porridge
Its main benefit lies in the grains themselves, from which the mixture is prepared. Even despite the high processing, they, nevertheless, contain all their useful components: amino acids, vitamins, minerals and so on. Often, nuts and pieces of dried fruit are added to this product. Such cereals are a full breakfast, which does not need to spend a lot of time.
Small compact packaging is very convenient to take with you on the road or to work. They are sold in any store or supermarket, and their choice today is quite wide. This product is preferred by bachelors or mothers with young children. Often, babies begin to accustom to instant cereals from childhood.
In addition, not everyone knows how to use dried fruits and nuts in dishes. Therefore, acquiring a mixture, you get an additional opportunity to eat healthy ingredients. For example, all dried fruits are an additional source of potassium, which is responsible for the health of the heart muscle, and nuts are suppliers of amino acids.
Popular oatmeal
The main disadvantage of this product is that it already contains a lot of sugar. Just open the package and pour the contents onto a plate, you can immediately notice the white crystals of the sweet substance. If the manufacturer indicated milk powder in the composition, then most likely it will be cream on vegetable palm oil. The harm of instant oatmeal is sometimes simply obvious.
It is boiled, as a rule, no more than three minutes. Some people simply pour boiling water over the mixture and cover it. It should be borne in mind that oatmeal flakes have already been cooked in advance, and then dried. They lack a lot of biologically active substances with beneficial effects. Nevertheless, this is still a better option than dry biscuits, chips or hamburgers. Is there any benefit in instant cereals?
Beneficial features
The following beneficial substances are present in oatmeal:
- Polyunsaturated amino acids Omega-3 and Omega-6.
- A sufficiently large amount of vitamin E, which prevents premature aging and makes the skin supple.
- As in all grains, B vitamins are necessarily present. The largest amount belongs to B9, B1 and B2. They have beneficial effects on all organs of the digestive system, and also significantly improve the condition of hair and nails.
- H and PP are involved in the formation of the immune system and regulate metabolic processes.
Of the trace elements, the largest amount belongs to potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Oatmeal is on the list of products that improve the alkaline balance in the body. This has a beneficial effect on human health, reduces the risk of malignant tumors and even helps get rid of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Nevertheless, the benefits and harms of instant oatmeal are very much discussed among parents of young children.
What is the harm
The benefits in instant porridge or oatmeal, in particular, are not so many. It is a processed product that has little fiber. In addition, after heat treatment and drying, its composition already contains a small amount of useful elements. Oatmeal contains phytic acid, which negatively affects the condition of the bones. It leaches calcium from bone mass and prevents its further absorption. The composition of instant porridge contains a lot of starch, which in the future can lead to diabetes.
In addition, gluten negatively affects the state of the stomach. Scientists have proven that it sticks together the villi of the mucous membrane and, thus, does not allow them to absorb vitamins and minerals.
Flax porridge
Even despite processing, a rather large amount of useful substances is stored in this mixture. Flax is appreciated by doctors and nutritionists due to its high content of polyunsaturated acids Omega-3 and Omega-6. In addition, this porridge is a record holder for the number of trace elements such as potassium, manganese, calcium and magnesium. There are a lot of kilocalories in the dry mixture - 100 grams of the finished product are 82. What are the benefits and harms of instant flax porridge?
Why is she needed
Of the useful properties, the following can be distinguished:
- It strengthens the walls of blood vessels and makes them elastic.
- The antioxidants that make up cereals rejuvenate the body and fight free radicals.
- Flax contains female phytohormones, which make the skin supple, and hair strong and strong.
- This product is recommended for use in radiation or poisoning. It is able to remove toxins, heavy metals and radionuclides from the body.
- This porridge is indispensable for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as cystitis and diseases of the female genital area.
Doctors recommend using this product as an antiparasitic.
Types of Flax Porridge
Manufacturers are constantly improving their product and adding new components to it. Already today there are instant cereal formulations with the addition of milk thistle, sesame or amaranth. Each of the fruits of these plants gives the flax mixture healing properties, enhances its taste and aroma. For example, sesame seeds significantly activates brain cells and acts as a means for losing weight, and it also significantly strengthens the human immune system.
Composition with amaranth heals the vascular system, helps to regenerate cells of tissues of internal organs and prevents the appearance of malignant tumors. Like amaranth, it also removes toxins and toxins from the body.
No less useful is the composition with milk thistle. This plant is known as a rather powerful hepatoprotector that restores liver cells and improves its function.
Use with restrictions
Unlike oatmeal, flax contains quite a lot of fiber, which in moderation has a beneficial effect on the intestines, and in case of an overdose it can cause negative reactions. As with any instant product, flax porridge contains colors, flavors and preservatives. With their frequent use, an allergy may appear.
User reviews
The harm or benefit of instant porridge is very worrying for fans of a healthy diet. According to users, cereals very often lead to excess weight. Some people have noticed a deterioration in the condition of the teeth after prolonged use of this product. Due to the large amount of starch, tooth decay appears. Therefore, dentists recommend every time after eating cereals or bakery products to brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth with a special composition.
There is a lot of sugar in such products. Also often in reviews you can find complaints about too many dyes and fragrances. Because of this, many parents hesitate to give instant cereals to their children. Large particles of dried fruits and nuts also confuse mothers of young children. Sometimes, due to the presence of preservatives, they have rashes on the skin of the face and abdomen. It is much more correct to cook this dish yourself, but, unfortunately, young parents often do not have enough time to cook. Especially if the family has not one child, but two or three.
Among the positive reviews you can find recommendations on the use of this product among office workers or people whose working day is usually very busy. Compared to other fast food products, porridge is still a more wholesome food. Compact packaging is very convenient to take with you on a train or to other similar places, and there is still the benefit of instant oatmeal.
After it, people note a pleasant satiation of the stomach. If the user has diseases such as pancreatitis, gastritis and a stomach ulcer, then these mixtures are the most suitable fast food option for them.
In short, the positive and negative reviews on the Internet are divided approximately equally. Everyone will find in them something that concerns him personally. Sometimes circumstances are such that instant food becomes the only available food. Therefore, what ultimately outweighs: the harm of instant porridge or the benefits of its convenient use, it is up to the buyers to decide.