We all know oatmeal is filling and versatile, but how can you make it even more healthy?

But how you prepare oatmeal is important.

We also share some recipes to get you inspired to change up this classic breakfast staple.

A savory oatmeal with egg and spinach is the breakfast you didn’t know you needed in your life. Get the recipe for Savory Oatmeal With Spinach and Poached Eggs.

Greg DuPree

Key Health Benefits of Oatmeal

Oatmeal is mostly healthy, but do you know why?

Increases Hydration Levels

Oatmeal is great for hydration.

Oats expand as they cook which helps them absorb the water or milk used to cook them in.

Overnight Oats With Strawberries and Toasted Almonds

Jen Causey

“When someone consumes cooked oats, they are inadvertently increasing their overall hydration for the day.

According to Hill, these compounds can help support gut health and the immune system while lowering cholesterol.

While most oats are gluten-free, there is the possibility of cross-contamination.

Baked Oatmeal With Cranberries and Almonds

Con Poulos

Oats are typically processed in facilities that also produce grains with gluten, such as wheat and barley.

Double-check that there is a certified gluten-free label on the package.

Also, keep to the daily serving size recommendations to enjoy the numerous health benefits.

Tropical Instant Oatmeal Mix

Victor Protasio

Zeitlin recommends buying the plain, unsweetened version (instant, regular, rolled, or steel-cut oats).

Aim for 1/2 cup of dried oats and combine it with your water or your favorite milk source.

There are other ways to enjoy oats thatdon’t involve oatmealeither.

Berry Baked Oatmeal

Victor Protasio

Healthy Oatmeal Recipe Ideas

For more oatmeal inspiration, try one of these delicious and comforting recipes.

Switch out almonds with any nut you have on hand.

Tropical Instant Oatmeal Mix

This oatmeal mix brings the flavors of the tropics to the breakfast staple.

To make it more healthy, skip the brown sugar and add a touch of honey instead.

Berry Baked Oatmeal

Jazz up plain-old oats with this special berry-studded recipe that’s perfect for entertaining.

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Slavin J.Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits.Nutrients.

2016;74(2):131-147. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuv063