Everyone knows from childhood that the most wholesome breakfast is the familiar oatmeal. What is the peculiarity of this dish? What are oat flakes made of and how? The harm and benefits of this product, as well as the main dishes from it, are discussed in this article. There are also tips on how to cook a delicious oatmeal porridge using different recipes.
Oatmeal: harm and benefits of the product, production history
Another very common name for this loose cereal is Hercules. But this is just one of the many product brands. Why is this the name for inconspicuous flakes? Initially, oats were considered only suitable for use as horse feed. Thanks to him, animals had a lot of energy and strength. In the twenties of the last century, after the creation of the Soviet state, oatmeal began to be called similarly to the ancient Greek hero due to the strength and good health of the hero. So lured children with not quite tasty, but healthy food. Therefore, the kids tried to eat a viscous dish for both cheeks in order to grow faster and not get sick. And today, most people call light porridge Hercules. In fact, there are completely different oat flakes. The harm and benefits of the product from the quality of grinding does not change. By the way, the negative impact on the body is minimal. We list the main positive properties of oatmeal and diseases in which they are especially recommended to be consumed.
Why are they recommended for regular eating? Contraindications
Cellulose contained in oats, ground to a state of flakes, has a surprisingly light and instant form. In addition, the presence in the bulk of a large amount of protein, vitamins and valuable lysine, an essential amino acid, was found. Once in the stomach, the mixture swells, increasing several times, which creates a feeling of satiety for a long time. For this reason, oatmeal is especially recommended for weight loss. Their harm and benefits are taken into account in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Since the main functions of dishes from the specified product are saturation and cleansing of the body, it is worthwhile to include it with caution in the menu for commissures and bowel obstruction. If you eat raw cereals , pouring liquid, you also need to know some rules. Even with the normal operation of all organs, it is impossible to eat more than 3 tablespoons a day of dry cereal in the composition of such dishes.
What diseases are recommended to use oatmeal?
Especially useful are "herculean" dishes for children and the elderly, as they are easily absorbed. You also need to regularly include them in the menu when:
- weakened immunity during and after illness;
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- hormonal imbalance;
- atherosclerosis;
- lack of vitamins (especially in winter and spring);
- impaired metabolism;
- high blood cholesterol;
- constipation and general slagging of the body;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including the pancreas, gall bladder and liver.
In addition to all of the above, indicators of continuous consumption of oatmeal are an unstable nervous system, weakened, brittle nails, faded skin and split ends.
Let's get acquainted with how and what can be prepared from this amazing and such a simple product. We will also analyze in detail how to cook oatmeal so that they retain all their beneficial properties.
What dishes can be prepared from hercules?
Few people know that, in addition to traditional cereal, a lot of the most varied dishes can be made from cereal. The oat product has long been used not only in Russian cuisine, but also, for example, in German, Scottish, Italian, as well as in many other European states. The classic Englishman breakfast may not be mentioned. At the same time, you need to know how to cook oatmeal so that the dish is not only healthy, but also tasty. For vegetarians and fasting this is a real find. Due to its ability to swell, it can successfully replace (sometimes partially, and sometimes completely) meat and fish ingredients in minced meat dishes. Fritters, casseroles, meatballs, sweet puddings, granola, jelly, cookies ... The list goes on and on. But still the classic dish is the famous Hercules porridge. It is usually served hot with butter or as a side dish for hearty main dishes. Also often used in sweet desserts, combining with jam, honey and fruit. Consider the step-by-step process of cooking a dish.
Oatmeal porridge: cooking tips
It is very important to choose the right ratio of liquid to dry product. The consistency of the finished dish will depend on this. Want to get a very thick porridge so that it can be eaten easily even with a fork? Then for each part of oatmeal take 2-2.5 parts of water, broth or milk. Need to cook a fluid and viscous light mixture for the baby? Then the proportions will be slightly different - 1: 3,5. In any case, oatmeal porridge should not boil for more than 5-7 minutes. With longer cooking, the nutrients will be significantly reduced. It is also important to make the right choice of the degree of grinding when buying cereals in the store. The product of the smallest processing is intended for children's dishes and mixing healthy raw mixes (just pour the hercules with water, kefir or milk before use). Traditional cereal is usually obtained from medium grains. The coarse grind product is part of cutlets, casseroles and cookies. After boiling the porridge for the required time, wrap it for 10-15 minutes. for swelling.
Which oatmeal is the most popular?
Given the opinions of consumers, we can say a few words about the varieties of the product and methods of preparation. What do you think should be the most popular oatmeal? Reviews of experienced housewives say one thing - 100% useful. And here it is worth talking especially about newfangled instant cereals. When this product appeared on the market, it immediately became very popular. But really: you can quickly cook a dish, and delicious! Is it so useful? The presence of food additives in the form of flavors, flavor enhancers and preservatives subsequently forced the housewives to return to their proven and old recipes. Do you want a sweet fruit dessert? It’s better to add natural fruits, of which you are sure. Need milk porridge? You will have to protect the white liquid a little so that it does not run away, but in no case replace it with dry cream from a bag with instant contents.
As you can see, over time, people understand that proper nutrition is the presence on the menu of healthy dishes made from natural products that give strength and health!