Is there any benefit from instant cereals. Useful properties of instant cereals

Instant porridges are a great find for any housewife. Quick, easy, cheap and delicious.

And maybe even useful? So what are the properties of instant cereals?

Instant porridge: fast and healthy, but how?

Fans of instant porridges are probably thinking about how delicious porridge, familiar to everyone, can turn out in a couple of minutes. The production technology of such cereals is more complicated. It is worth noting that the composition of porridge does not change. The effect of instant cooking is achieved by additional processing of the grains and bringing them to the stage of flakes. Flakes, as a rule, absorb moisture more actively and swell faster. The thinner the flakes, the faster the porridge will boil.

In pursuit of cooking speed, cereal producers are tirelessly developing new grain processing technologies. For example, you can find instant porridge, the flakes of which will be notched, torn fibers, or completely erased into powder.

Types of instant cereals

In the modern world, producers of instant cereals constantly surprise consumers with the variety of their product. The most popular types are:

Instant porridge

These two types differ from each other in cooking time. Instant porridges are simply poured with boiling water, and “quick cooking” means a few minutes of waiting, and sometimes cooking in special bags.

In addition to different cooking times, cereals can be ordinary or with the addition of additional components: berries, mushrooms, fruits, nuts.

Useful properties of instant porridge

Often, people's opinion about instant cereals leaves much to be desired. However, "fast" cereals still have a number of advantages and useful properties. The following useful properties are distinguished:

Cleanse the intestines

Rich in vitamins B and vitamin E

Retain zinc, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus

Improve the condition of hair, skin, nails

The benefits of individual cereals

That is, we can conclude that, of course, the list of useful properties of instant cereals is not great, but it is wrong to blame “fast” cereals for an exceptionally harmful effect.

The benefits of individual cereals should be disclosed in more detail, because cereals are different. Producers of "quick" cereals have learned how to turn buckwheat, oatmeal, and rice into flakes. This is far from a complete list.

The most popular are the following types of cereals:

Buckwheat

Everyone's favorite buckwheat is truly rich in vitamins and minerals. It has a positive effect on cholesterol levels and improves immunity. Also, it should be noted that buckwheat does not contain gluten, which is important for people with food allergies.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the healthiest cereals. Her cereal not only perfectly cleanses the intestines, but also normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, lowers cholesterol levels in the blood, and also strengthens blood vessels. No wonder oatmeal is the most popular breakfast.

Rice porrige

Rice cereal is an excellent breakfast, as it gives a boost of energy for the whole day. Rice porridge is ideal for people with food allergies, as it is low allergenic. However, do not abuse it for people who have problems with the intestines and constipation.

Millet porridge

Millet is known for its huge list of various beneficial compounds: magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B6 and many healthy vegetable fats. Millet porridge has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart, and also cleanses the body, removing all toxins and toxins from it. But it should be noted that millet porridge is not nutritious, and you should not consider it as a hearty breakfast.

Harm of instant porridge

Despite the invariance of the composition and convenience, instant cereals still have their drawbacks. The main disadvantages of this "dish" are:

Loss of nutrients due to processing

Chemical additives

The main disadvantage, of course, are the consequences of processing. During the poultice process, the grains lose most of their beneficial vitamins and minerals due to the high temperature used to dry the flakes. Only a group of vitamins B and vitamin E do not lend themselves to heat treatment. Obviously, the list is not long and most of the beneficial properties of grains are still lost.

Another problem with instant cereals is their high starch content. Thus, cereals, which seem to give health and lightness, lead to disappointing consequences: obesity, diabetes and diseases of the cardiovascular system. "Quick" cereals negatively affect the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system and metabolism.

Also, in pursuit of savings, manufacturers can use apples, which are processed with special chemical flavors and flavorings, instead of whole pieces of fruits and berries. In this case, the benefits of individual fruits and berries are lost, and the consumption of chemicals increases.

Choice of healthy instant porridge

To find the very one from the huge selection of products - healthy and tasty instant porridge, you should, of course, pay attention to its composition.

It is often filled with long and obscure chemical names. But looking for instant porridge that does not contain additives at all is a disastrous business. It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of medicinal herbs, medicinal plants, natural pieces of fruits and berries in the porridge. Such cereals, as a rule, contain a special icon on the packaging informing the buyer about the medicinal properties of the cereal. There are instant cereals that are recommended for people with stomach ulcers, gastritis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Also an important factor in choosing instant porridge is packaging. The safety of a special sealed bag is very important for this type of product, since damage to it is fraught with bacteria and infections entering the flakes. Moreover, in case of damage to the packaging, the shelf life of the product is significantly reduced.

The most useful representatives of "fast" cereals are those that require cooking for at least 5 minutes. Most often they are crushed grains or large flakes after mechanical processing. It is these cereals that retain all the useful properties as much as possible.

Instant porridges, in the modern world and with a frantic pace of life, are just a godsend. Of course, "quick" cereals have some advantages, but you should not abuse them. Such cereals are recommended to be consumed rarely and due to strong need. Instant porridges are not a full-fledged replacement for ordinary cooked homemade porridge.

Usually fast food is not healthy, but instant cereals are sometimes useful.
Useful are not those instant cereals in glamorous cardboard packages, with the inscription "Fitness" or the prefix "Fit" and with a picture of a piece of a thin belly that you have been dreaming of for so long. And just coarse porridge or in grains, properly selected and properly cooked.

I have to warn you - really healthy cereals and cereals in grains usually do not have glamorous packaging, they do not have the tempting word “Fitness” written on them, there is no “Fit” prefix, there is no piece of a thin belly that you have been dreaming of for so long, no mentions of vitamins in large print under the name and it is not even written that it is for weight loss.
Many fat people will have to step over themselves in order to buy “THIS”, because they always buy everything only if it says that it is for weight loss or fitness, for body shaping, or if at least a piece of a thinner belly is drawn there. It will be difficult for you to buy normal porridge, but I believe in you!

It will not be difficult for adequate people with a psyche not crippled by pink weight loss magazines to choose the right porridge and learn how to cook it properly. At the end of this article, I will give you a useful article on cereals to read, which tells in detail what kind of cereal to eat. This will help you learn more about cereals, what they are, which ones to choose and open your eyes to important nuances that you have always considered unimportant trifles. And in this article we will talk about instant cereals. We will learn how to cook healthy instant porridge in any conditions.

What you need to quickly cook a very healthy porridge

In order to cook and eat healthy instant porridge you will need:
1. Thermoware, (I usually use a 500 ml thermo mug. You can also use other types of thermoware);

2. Whole grains or in grains (oatmeal, buckwheat, wheat or barley);

3. Boiling water (hot one that is still boiling);
4. Spoon or fork (which you will try porridge, and then eat);

5. Salt, oil, etc. as desired (but if you really want to eat, then eat without anything and it will be very tasty);

Learning how to cook healthy instant cereals

1. We fall asleep cereals in a thermal dish;

2. Fill with boiling water (so that the lid does not touch the water). Please note that boiling water should be 2-3 times larger in volume than cereals;

3. We put it on a flat surface and cover it with a lid (so that water does not flow out and the lid does not touch the water - this is in order to better retain heat);

4. We are waiting for 10-15 minutes (it is important not to miss, so as not to digest);
5. We drain the water and open the lid (so that the porridge is not digested, because it is in a thermal dish, and it is hot in a thermal dish);

6. We take out a spoon and quickly eat it (because the porridge should be eaten warm);
7. The porridge should be a little harsh, as if undercooked by 1%;

Why instant porridge is so healthy

Despite the ease of preparation, these cereals will be very useful, because they are not cooked, but steamed, and therefore they have a lot of vitamins. This porridge is much healthier than boiled, because it was cooked at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius and below.
When you pour boiling water into a cup, the water quickly cools down by 5-10 degrees, because part of the heat goes into the inner walls of the thermoware and into the cereal itself. But then the temperature is stably maintained and slowly drops, and this heat reserve is enough to cook porridge.
Porridge that is cooked at a temperature below boiling water is much healthier than that cooked in boiling water and retains many times more vitamins and useful elements.
If you're concerned about the germs that might be on the grits, they were killed as soon as you poured boiling water over them.

The very method of cooking porridge is very helpful on business trips, on hikes, on long car trips, it will be useful for office plankton, indispensable for those whose life goes on tour and business trips, security guards, loaders, watchmen and in general for everyone who has a tight schedule and a minimum of free time . Except for those who always sit at home and those who are constantly followed by a mobile kitchen with a personal chef. You just have to know it, be able to do it, so that later you don’t whine that you don’t have the opportunity to eat normal porridge and you are forced to eat dry food and fast-resistance noodles from which health benefits are like goat’s milk.
And even if a mobile kitchen with a personal chef always follows you, then it will be useful to know exactly this method just in case, you never know. Chefs get sick, a wheel breaks in a mobile kitchen, you may run out of money to support servants, etc.

But what about other types of cereals?

You can eat other types of cereals at home. Oatmeal in grains, green or fried buckwheat, wheat groats, barley groats - these are the types of cereals from which you can cook healthy porridge in 10-15 minutes by simply pouring boiling water over it in a thermo dish.
Cooking time for porridge depends on your dishes and the temperature of the environment in which you cook porridge. I usually have edible porridge in 10-11 minutes.
As for such cereals as pearl barley, corn, rice, you will have time to eat them at home. They can also be cooked in thermal dishes, but for this you need very heat-saving thermal dishes, more experience and they cook for 30-40 minutes.
Therefore, for quick preparation of healthy porridge, it would be optimal to use oatmeal in grains, green or fried buckwheat, wheat groats, barley groats.

Where to get boiling water?

To get boiling water you need to turn on your ingenuity. I usually get boiling water from an electric kettle, sometimes from a fire, sometimes from a camping gas burner. You can also get boiling water from an ordinary gas stove, with a small boiler bought on the market, a cup with a built-in heater that can be powered through a regular socket or car cigarette lighter. Also, do not forget that boiling water should be boiling. That is, when it boils and erupts, you must immediately fill it in, if it boiled 5 minutes ago, then this is no longer boiling water.

NUANCES and ADDITIONS - it will be useful to know

1. Thermal cookware can be very different, we live in the 21st century, in our time there are many optimal solutions. There is a thermal dish in which you can boil water from the cigarette lighter in the car or from the mains.
2. There are not only thermomugs, but also thermoplates and thermopots and so on. It is important that the cookware holds the temperature well and is easy to use for you.
3. Why oatmeal should be in grains and why porridge should not be snot read the article"What kind of porridge should I eat"
4. You can not eat the same porridge for many days in a row, because it will not be very useful. Remember - food should be varied. It is optimal to eat porridge every day that you did not eat yesterday and constantly ask yourself what exactly you want today. You should always have 3-5 types of instant cereals.
5. Be sure to practice right away at home, so that later you can quickly and on the first try do everything right.
6. Porridge can be packed in special sealed bags, pre-measure portions with a measuring cup, because with a 1 kg package. walking is not always comfortable.

7. Germ. bags can be freely bought, I do not sell them, but you will find them.
8. If your cereal is dirty (with dust and pieces of straw), then it can be washed and dried in advance. But I would recommend that you buy clean cereals right away.
9. Portions can be measured with a measuring cup. I use a glass of 100 ml. - this is optimal for one serving. You will know your portion when you cook and eat porridge several times, but for a start it is better to store these volumes. Take as many cereals as you need so that you do NOT undereat or overeat. Remember that throwing away food is not only a sin, but it is also unwise to constantly carry extra weight.
10. Even if it so happened that you ate fast food, cookies, buns and various types of dry food all day long, then one serving of healthy instant porridge will greatly improve your digestion, increase your level of efficiency, enthusiasm and, in general, increase the efficiency of your day very well.
11. As it turned out, in 10-15 minutes you can cook a healthy porridge. Someone might say that it takes a long time and vermicelli or instant soup cooks faster. Perhaps someone will say that there are special cereals that are prepared in a minute and a half. But the benefits of this real porridge are incomparable with any instant porridge. You just need to pour boiling water over it and cover with a lid, then set the timer for 10-15 minutes, drain the water and eat. That is, in fact, you spend very little time and get a super healthy meal.
12. And be sure to wash the dishes after you, the remnants of porridge can be washed off with just water.

While everyone is familiar with regular oatmeal, most rely on instant oatmeal for a quick and healthy breakfast. So, what exactly is the difference between regular oatmeal and instant oatmeal? Does instant oatmeal provide the same benefits as regular oatmeal? Do they have the same nutritional value?

Everyone knows about the beneficial properties of oatmeal - its high fiber content, its ability to lower cholesterol, and many other qualities. Therefore, oatmeal is becoming an increasingly popular hot breakfast item, especially during the cold winter months. There are several varieties of it:

granulated
traditional
fast food
instant cooking

The difference between them lies in the kind of processing they go through.

Cooking time for oatmeal

Instant oatmeal, as the name suggests, is instant oatmeal. It is the speed of preparation that makes such oatmeal a popular breakfast. Just one minute is enough if you cook it on the stove, and two minutes if you just pour boiling water over it. Flattened or regular oatmeal, on the other hand, requires 10-15 minutes of cooking on the stovetop, as the flakes are larger and take longer to absorb water when cooked.

Degree of processing

Ordinary oatmeal is dried oatmeal, which is steamed and then passed through rollers that flatten it. Its chaff shell is removed, but the hard shell is preserved. Instant oatmeal, on the other hand, is also passed through rollers, pressed to a thin state, and steamed; however, it differs in the size of the resulting flakes. Such oatmeal is flattened very thinly and crushed into tiny fragments. Thus, the main difference between instant oatmeal and regular oatmeal is that the former is more deeply processed before reaching the consumer, while the latter is minimally processed.

Glycemic index of oatmeal

This is one of the main parameters in which regular oatmeal is superior to instant oatmeal. Since instant oatmeal is more processed and also ground, it is absorbed by the body much faster than regular oatmeal. This means that such oatmeal is more likely to increase blood sugar levels and contribute to a faster feeling of hunger. Thus, instant oatmeal has a high glycemic index, while regular oatmeal has a low glycemic index, which allows it to provide a longer feeling of satiety. Conclusion: Considering all three of the above, rolled oatmeal is definitely healthier.

Here the next question arises - which is better: rolled oatmeal or regular? Do all of the above facts make instant oatmeal unhealthy? The answer is no! Instant oatmeal is more processed and has a high glycemic index, but it has the same nutritional value as rolled oatmeal (in terms of vitamins, fiber, cholesterol-lowering ability, etc.), so it cannot be considered harmful. In fact, all varieties of oatmeal undergo some processing. Then why is there so much talk about instant oatmeal being unhealthy? In fact, unhealthy instant oatmeal is flavored oatmeal, such as apple or cinnamon, maple or brown sugar, chocolate, etc. Flavored varieties of instant oatmeal are high in sugar, salt, artificial colors, and other undesirable ingredients. This makes eating nutritious oatmeal not such a healthy way to start the day.

And while regular oatmeal is the ideal choice, if you're looking for a more convenient breakfast staple, you can be sure to choose instant oats that are healthy, full-bodied, and contain the least amount of ingredients. Adding a small amount of crushed fruits and nuts to oatmeal not only makes it taste better, it also improves its nutrient content and makes you feel fuller for a longer time.

The rhythm of modern life is so high that it does not always leave a person time for full-fledged cooking. It is at such moments that you have to use fast food products. In this regard, it is very interesting whether instant cereals are harmful or can you feast on them without fear? We will find the answer to this question in this article.

Classification of instant cereals

Compared to ordinary oatmeal, two types of the product in question can be found on store shelves:

instant cereals that require cooking for several minutes,
instant cereals, which are simply poured with boiling water and ready to eat in a minute.

It is worth paying attention here that oat grains, from which cereals are prepared, always undergo preliminary processing. In ordinary cereals, the outer too coarse skin is removed from the grains, however, the grain germs remain, which allows them to retain all the useful substances during cooking. In instant products, the grains are finely ground, which reduces the cooking time. What can we say about cereals, which are prepared instantly, because they are sold pre-steamed. That is why, it is enough just to fill them with boiling water before use. However, in this state, the product significantly loses its valuable qualities, and the basis of such a porridge is, in fact, one starch that swells when boiling water is added.

Harm of instant cereals

The low value of fast food, as well as instant cooking, is their main disadvantage. The fact is that starch, under the influence of gastric enzymes, breaks down to the simplest sugars, which has an extremely negative effect on metabolism, provoking obesity, and also affecting the endocrine system, that is, causing type II diabetes mellitus.

Moreover, oatmeal, according to nutritionists, is not the worst option. In other cereals made from grains of buckwheat, rice or wheat, there is even more starch. With the loss of the shell, as well as the germ of the grain, they sharply lose their valuable substances and dietary fiber.

Nutritionists generally do not recommend eating foods high in starch frequently. Especially in this regard, potatoes are dangerous. True, oatmeal is an exception to the rule, because it contains a large number of useful substances, including beta-glucans. The value of these polysaccharides lies in the ability to bind cholesterol, and then remove it from the body, thereby preventing the development of atherosclerosis and other vascular and heart diseases. Do not forget that oatmeal is rich in fiber, amino acids, as well as minerals and vitamins.

Meanwhile, you should not get carried away with instant oatmeal, as there is a risk of gaining excess weight. And this is a direct road to the development of diabetes. In addition, nutritionists do not recommend eating fast food products that contain. The fact is that manufacturers add a minimum amount of fruit to such products, and the aroma is provided by the addition of flavors. As a result, the body is more harmed than when using ordinary instant porridge. In this regard, it is much more useful to add frozen or fresh fruits or berries to it while cooking porridge at home.

Summing up, and answering the question of whether instant cereals are harmful, we can say with confidence that the harm from these products is much more than good, which means you need to eat them as little as possible, sparing no time to prepare full-fledged tasty, and most importantly, healthy dishes. Bon appetit!

Oatmeal is a natural dietary product obtained from oats by flattening. In recent years, oatmeal has become increasingly popular as a hearty and healthy breakfast. Its nutritional value and benefits for the whole body were appreciated by supporters of a healthy diet. Many people eat this dish for breakfast to lose weight and improve their health. Let's see if oat flakes really have a beneficial effect on our health.

Flake composition

Oatmeal contains protein compounds, a minimum of fat and carbohydrates. Its chemical composition differs from others in rich content useful substances:

: , ;
: , ;
organic acids: oxalic, and maleic;
amino acids:,;
alimentary fiber.

Such a unique composition makes oatmeal an indispensable dish for every person.

Did you know? Oatmeal is on the menu of many Hollywood stars.

Nutritional value and calories

The nutritional value of 100 g of oatmeal is as follows:

: 11.9 g;
: 7.2 g;
: 69.3 g

For decades, doctors have been recommending oatmeal for health and weight loss. Nutritional value has a positive effect on the vital activity of the whole organism. Carbohydrates provide energy for the whole day. The vitamin complex improves well-being, gives vigor, reduces fatigue. Proteins restore and stimulate the growth of muscle tissue cells.
The viscous consistency of cooked porridge has an enveloping effect and saturates the body for several hours. Oatmeal contains the right amount of substances for the proper functioning of the digestive system. It is easily absorbed and digested. The fiber content cleanses and stimulates intestinal motility, relieves constipation. Iron and iodine are useful for the prevention of thyroid diseases. Phosphorus and calcium strengthen bone tissue.

Oatmeal is high in calories 100 g of product contains about 350 kcal.

About the benefits of instant porridge

The rhythm of life of a modern person is accompanied by a constant lack of time for cooking and makes people prefer fast food. Among them is porridge made from oatmeal. It takes little time to prepare. Filled with boiling water - and you can eat. It is very comfortable. What is the use of such porridge in bags? Instant flakes have crushed grains with multiple pre-treatment. They quickly absorb hot water and are just as quickly ready for use.
But such flakes do not have enough useful properties contain few minerals and vitamins. However, some vitamins are still present in them. Instant cereals have a significant advantage - they save time and keep you feeling full for a long time.

Important! Only flakes made from whole grain oats are good for health.

Instant cereals from whole grains are necessary for patients with gastritis and peptic ulcer. This dish has a positive effect on metabolic processes, provides the body with useful vitamins and minerals. Oatmeal is distinguished by its ability to remove unnecessary fluid from the body, improves skin condition.

This is an indispensable dish for people with heart disease. The use of porridge lowers the level and normalizes blood sugar levels. Oatmeal is the best remedy for many diseases. However, frequent consumption of this dish can lead to a set of extra pounds.

Application of flakes

The rich chemical composition and nutritional value of oatmeal allow them to be used in dietetics, cosmetology, and cooking.

In dietetics

Oatmeal is a part of many diets. It regulates fat metabolism, lowers blood sugar levels.

Many successfully use oatmeal for weight loss. A positive result is achieved if you cook porridge in water, without adding oil and, and take it only for breakfast. Despite the high calorie content, this dish is easily digested and speeds up metabolic processes in the body.

In cosmetology

Oatmeal is often used to make lotions, creams, soaps, and scrubs. Thanks to its unique rejuvenating, nourishing and cleansing properties, oats accelerate cell metabolism, restore damaged tissues, nourish and moisturize the skin. It becomes elastic, smooth, velvety, has a beautiful healthy appearance.
Flakes have a smoothing effect, prevent the formation. Many women use oat products to make homemade skin care products. Homemade porridge mask is suitable for all skin types. it cleanses from oily sheen, effectively fights the formation of inflammation and acne. Dry - softens, refreshes, nourishes with useful substances. Baths of decoction of oat flakes make the skin of the hands soft and tender, strengthen the nails.

Oatmeal takes care of hair and scalp. With regular use, the hair structure is restored, hair loss is reduced, curls become healthy and shiny. Oat-based products are used to treat many skin diseases.

In cooking

In addition to making cereals, oatmeal is used in various culinary recipes. They are added to pastries, pancakes and pancakes, in minced meat. Often they are used for breading and.
The beneficial properties of flakes are not lost during heat treatment, so cooked meals will be beneficial to the body.

Is oatmeal harmful?

Despite the nutritional value and usefulness in the human diet, regular consumption of oatmeal for breakfast can lead to health problems.

With a hereditary disease celiac disease contained in oatmeal disrupts the functioning of the intestinal villi and the absorption of nutrients becomes impossible. can also cause allergies. Phytic acid leaches calcium from bones and leads to osteoporosis. High calorie content stimulates the formation of body fat and leads to weight gain.

In general, oats themselves are gluten-free, but they may contain traces of wheat, rye, or barley, so patients should pay attention to the label on the cereal packaging.

Did you know?Oatmeal is introduced into the children's diet as complementary foods at the age of 8 months.

So, we draw conclusions. Oatmeal contains a healthy amount of protein, carbohydrates and fats. Eating oatmeal for breakfast affects the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, reduces the risk of blood clots, reduces blood cholesterol levels, and strengthens memory. It is an excellent tool in the prevention of stress, improves well-being and mood. However, it must be remembered that the human diet should be varied. Therefore, it is recommended to alternate the intake of oatmeal with other healthy breakfasts.