Overnight oats – more and more people are getting a taste for them. Especially in recent years, we have been hearing more and more about oats that are left to soak overnight to become really tasty.
As a result, overnight oats in the morning have now become a staple of the breakfast menu. This is especially true because oats have also become increasingly popular in recent years.
But why are overnight oats such a healthy breakfast, and what is the best way to prepare them? We will be exploring these questions in today's blog post.
Discover overnight oats from Verival
What exactly are overnight oats, and why are they such a healthy breakfast?
Overnight oats, as the name suggests, are oats that have been soaked overnight. They are usually prepared with milk or water and stored in the refrigerator.
For different variations, the oats are topped with ingredients such as dried fruit, fresh fruit, nuts or seeds. For a vegan option, store-bought or homemade plant-based milk can be used as a substitute for milk.
What is the difference between porridge and overnight oats?
Classic porridge, also known as oatmeal or oat porridge, is prepared and eaten warm in the morning. Both breakfast dishes are based on soaked oat flakes. However, in the case of porridge, the oats are not slowly soaked overnight, but rather boiled in a hot liquid (water or milk).
Especially when it gets colder outside, a warm breakfast is a must for many people. We have known about the importance of warm breakfasts for quite some time. It is incredibly healthy for your body to eat a warm breakfast – because it doesn't have to be brought up to body temperature. In traditional Chinese medicine, warm breakfasts are particularly important and are an integral part of the diet.
The basis of oats – that's why the local superfood is so healthy
Oats are not only extremely nutritious, but can also be prepared in a variety of ways. In addition, they are very inexpensive, provide a lot of energy and can increase our brain power. Entire diet systems have been created based on oat flakes.
The oat diet uses oats as the basis for every meal, so you won't suffer from any nutrient deficiencies. That's why the oat diet is a very common way to lose weight healthily. What's more, oats are a superfood because they can prevent many diseases.
Diabetics, in particular, benefit from the grain due to lower insulin levels. But it also lowers blood cholesterol, which helps prevent heart disease. In addition to all these benefits, oats are particularly impressive for their fiber, which helps you feel fuller longer. And often the problems start with the amount of food you eat – if you eat less, it's easier to lose weight!
What nutrients and ingredients does oats contain?
Oats are the grain with the most healthy nutrients. It contains large amounts of healthy fiber. In addition, the whole grain product is full of good vegetable proteins, healthy fatty acids and long-chain carbohydrates. These keep you full for a long time.
What's more, oats are very rich in vitamins thanks to their high vitamin B content. In addition to vitamins, oats also contain many minerals such as biotin, iron, zinc, and magnesium. These are good for the skin and particularly support the immune system and bones. For these reasons, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends eating at least one portion of oats a day.
Overnight oats as a healthy breakfast and the “better” oats
But why you should soak your oats overnight is explained below. Especially if you are in a hurry in the morning every now and then, or generally don't have the opportunity to cook a porridge at work or school, overnight oats are the perfect alternative.
Or if you simply prefer to eat cold food for breakfast, overnight oats are for you. They are a quick and healthy breakfast!
Here is a delicious recipe for gluten-free overnight oats:
In principle, porridge and overnight oats are equally healthy – but what makes overnight oats a real hit are the toppings! They can be either sweet, sour or even healthier. There are no limits to your imagination when it comes to toppings.
The best toppings for your morning oats
Flaxseeds are particularly good for our digestion. They have a slight laxative effect and thus prevent constipation. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect and contain a lot of fiber and proteins. Chia seeds are considered a superfood for a reason – they have an extremely satiating effect and therefore help to effectively prevent cravings. Hemp seeds are particularly good for your immune system. They contain important amino acids that promote regeneration.
- Fruits and berries
Whether you add kiwi, pineapple, papaya, and mango for an exotic twist or apples, pears, and berries like strawberries, raspberries, currants, and blueberries for a classic flavor – fresh fruits refine every porridge. In summer, they are wonderfully refreshing. In winter, apples with a little cinnamon or gingerbread spice, for example, are a delicious combination. You don't necessarily have to add the fruits and berries to your overnight oats the night before. They taste fresher in the morning.
- Nuts
Nuts such as hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts or almonds are the perfect topping for your overnight oats – whether whole or grated. They contain a lot of fat, but these are considered healthy fats – so-called unsaturated fatty acids. They boost brain power and are therefore also known as brain food. Ideal for your power breakfast. You can add nuts to your overnight oats the night before or in the morning.
To round off this blog post, we'll leave you with a recipe for the perfect start to the day – after all, we don't just want you to want to make overnight oats, we want you to be able to make them straight away!
