We all know that oatmeal is one of the healthiest breakfast foods out there. But if you’re kind of getting sick and tired of consuming it each and every morning, you may switch to grits. Continue reading to come across some of the best reasons why grits can give good old oatmeal a run for its money!
Before we check out some of the health benefits offered by grits, let’s first get to know them better.
Grits are made from corn kernels that are devoid of both hull and germ, and then ground just like cornmeal. And just like oatmeal, they are typically boiled in water prior to being served.
The mode of cooking is not the only thing that is shared by grits and oatmeal. Both of them contain impressive amounts of dietary fiber and protein. They are both low in calories, but one is actually so much better for individuals who are trying to lose weight, as you will learn later on in this article.
However, just like oatmeal, the many perks offered by grits can be easily offset by sugar, cream and many other unhealthy ingredients that may be added to a serving of grits to make it taste so much better. So if you like to make grits go from blah to hurrah while still keeping its goodness intact, top it with slices of fruits, crushed nuts or seeds instead.
So now that you are more familiar with grits, it’s time for us to take a look at the benefits they offer:
They Energize You
Having a bowl of grits every morning helps ensure that you feel energized throughout the day because they are excellent sources of B vitamins, which are important for converting carbohydrates into fuel. Also, fiber present in grits helps regulate the release of sugar in the bloodstream, so you get to enjoy stable energy as the hours pass by.
They Ward Off Constipation
Because grits are phenomenal sources of dietary fiber, consuming them every morning can help in keeping you regular. Pair your intake of grits with plenty of fluids and regular exercise and you can keep constipation at bay. According to doctors, a diet that’s high in fiber may also lower colon cancer risk.
They Help Build Muscles
Especially if you are a vegetarian, it’s a wonderful idea for you to regularly consume grits because they supply your body with muscle-building protein. But even if you eat animal food products, you should still consider serving grits on the breakfast table to obtain more protein but with no cholesterol and very little fat only.
They Promote Weight Loss
If you are trying to lose weight, you’ll be glad to know that grits are actually more beneficial for you than oatmeal. While it’s true that a serving of oatmeal contains only 166 calories as opposed to 182 calories in a serving of grits, it has 3 grams of fat. Grits, on the other hand, only has 1 gram of fat.
They Keep Skin Healthy
Grits supply the body with good amounts of vitamin E, which is an excellent antioxidant for the skin. By consuming a bowl of grits every morning, your skin cells are shielded from free radical damage. Experts add that vitamin E found in grits and other food sources also help lower risk of sunburns and even skin cancer.
They Ward Off Anemia
Anemia comes in many different types, and one of those can be prevented with regular intake of grits, and it’s the one that is due to iron deficiency. That’s because grits contain good amounts of iron which is important for the production of red blood cells or RBCs, thus keeping anemia from striking.
Do you have health-conscious family members and friends who admit to getting bored with having oatmeal each morning? Then have this article reposted on your various social media sites to get them introduced to grits!