Oatmeal Each Day Keeps Aging at Bay Professor David J. Demko, PhD AgeVenture News Service, 05-19-2005 "What ever you're doing, keep doing it." That's what my doctor said after my annual physical exam. No wonder. My energy level was up, my cholesterol level was down, and my waist-line was under control. Not bad for a baby boomer. Good health isn't just a matter of good genes and dumb luck. You have to work at it. But contrary to what most people think, the work isn't hard or complicated. I won't bore you with all the details, but I will tell you about the most important meal of the day, breakfast. I'm an oatmeal man. Every morning of every day. Keeps my energy level up, and the complex carbohydrates slowly release energy all morning. I don't get hungry until lunch time, and I've got the energy of someone half my age. As far as I'm concerned, oatmeal each day keeps aging at bay. Read on and learn more. Whole grain consumption in America is still low, despite the need for better health. Adults typically eat only one whole grain serving per day, according to the latest USDA Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals and the Diet and Health Knowledge Survey. However, the USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 encourage everyone to eat grains each day. Why choose whole grains? According to the USDA, eating plenty of whole grains, such as whole wheat bread or oatmeal, as part of a healthy diet, may help protect you against many chronic diseases. So, how do you know if you are eating a whole grain product? Always check the ingredient list and the Nutrition Facts panel on product packages. Look for key words like "whole grain oats," "whole grain," "whole wheat," "whole grain corn," or "whole grain barley." Choose foods that have a whole grain as the first ingredient listed. All forms of oats - steel cut oats, old fashioned oats, quick oats and instant oats - are whole grain products. Each of them provides the same level of nutrients when eaten in the same amounts. Besides providing great nutrition, oats have a number of additional health benefits. Eating a bowl of oatmeal, as part of a plant-rich diet low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers. That same bowl of oatmeal may also help with weight control by curbing appetite at lunchtime. Emerging research also suggests that oatmeal may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Variety is the spice of life, and it's easy to jazz up a bowl of oatmeal. You can add an extra serving of calcium and a "creamy" texture by preparing oatmeal with fat-free milk instead of water. Top it with your favorite fruits, nuts, or flavorings - maple syrup, spices or honey - for a tempting treat any time. Cooking or baking with oats is another way to pack whole grain goodness into meals. Oats add fiber, texture and flavor to a variety of foods including, meatloaf, meatballs, muffins, breads, biscuits, pancakes, coffeecakes, yeast breads, cookies and bars. They also make great toppings for fresh fruit crisps and crumbles. The possibilities for incorporating whole grain oats into your diet are as limitless as your creativity. If you'd like a few ideas for starters, contact the folks at Quaker, and they'll send you some free reading material. Request "Oats: The Whole (Grain) Story." Send your name and complete address to: Oats: The Whole (Grain) Story, P.O. Box 3305, Chicago, IL 60654. Image credit: The Quaker Oats Company. Read more health-related articles. AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com