Oats have been around since the Bronze Age. And whether you’re team rolled oats or team steel-cut oats, there’s no denying this cereal grain’s supreme nutrient profile, including its ability to regulate bowel movements, control blood sugar levels, and even help reduce cancer risk—with the powerful compound, lignan—along with many other benefits. But perhaps the most well-established benefit boasted by this healthy grain is its heart health benefits.

Oats are great for your heart!

The wondrous heart health benefits that come with eating oats are due to its fibre, beta-glucans, and unique antioxidant compounds (called avenanthramides), all of which contribute to cholesterol-reducing effects, which has been strongly linked to reduced cardiovascular disease risk and stroke.[i] Beyond fibre, oats are also packed with a wide range of nutrients, such as protein, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, iron, etc.

Oatmeal is probably the most popular way of eating oats. And while a lot of us do eat oatmeal on a regular basis, we tend to stick with the recipes we are most accustomed to. As oatmeal makes such a good base for amazing recipes, it would be a waste to not be adventurous with adding ingredients.

Start with these five delicious oatmeal recipes.

1. Baked Blueberry Banana Chia Seed Oatmeal

This is a flavourful and highly nutritious oatmeal recipe that is guaranteed to keep you full and satisfied. With the crunch of walnuts, the juiciness of the berry, and the aroma of cinnamon, this might just become your new favourite breakfast meal.

2. Creamy Maple Almond Banana Oatmeal

This one’s a simple recipe, but a really tasty one. We recommend making your own homemade almond milk for any oatmeal recipe that calls for almond milk to make it extra creamy and flavourful. Sweeten it with a healthy dose of maple syrup.

3. Sautéed Mushroom, Spinach, and Egg Oatmeal

If you’ve never had savoury oatmeal, you’re definitely missing out. Pair it with your favourite Sunday breakfast ingredients, and you’ll be more impressed than ever. We’ve got some great savoury oatmeal recipes for you to fall in love with.

4. Raspberry Coconut Oatmeal

Coconut milk is one of the most popular non-dairy milks on the market, and it’s also a healthy choice! Try making your morning oatmeal with coconut milk with a toss of raspberries to really freshen things up.

5. Baked Oatmeal-Stuffed Apples

You’ve had apples in your oatmeal, but have you had oatmeal in your apples? Yep, you might’ve tried the baked apple apple pie, now it’s time to try the oatmeal-stuffed apples to really make your mornings exciting!

Is oatmeal part of your regular diet? Share with us your favourite oatmeal recipes you think we need to try!

[i] http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/100/6/1413.long