Mercyhurst University Wellness Fair 2016

Oatmeal is a nutritious food that contains beta-glucan, a type of fiber that has been shown to boost the immune system. Beta-glucan activates certain immune cells, enhancing their ability to fight off infections and diseases. Additionally, oatmeal has a low glycemic index, meaning it doesn't cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This can help prevent or manage type 2 diabetes, a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Therefore, it can be concluded that oatmeal does indeed boost the immune system and prevent type 2 diabetes.

Oatmeal is known to be beneficial for heart health due to its high fiber content. Fiber helps to lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall cardiovascular health. Therefore, the statement that oatmeal increases heart health and has high levels of fiber is true.

Oatmeal is considered a good source of healthy carbohydrates because it contains complex carbs. Complex carbohydrates are made up of long chains of sugar molecules that take longer to digest, providing a steady release of energy. Oatmeal is also rich in fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. Therefore, it is true that oatmeal is a good source of healthy carbohydrates.

The correct answer is "all of the above" because oatmeal is indeed a whole grain, which means it contains all parts of the grain including the bran, germ, and endosperm. Oatmeal also helps to reduce cholesterol levels due to its high soluble fiber content, which can bind to cholesterol and remove it from the body. Additionally, oatmeal contains antioxidants such as avenanthramides, which have anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties. Therefore, all the given statements about oatmeal being a whole grain, reducing cholesterol, and containing antioxidants are true.

Oatmeal is a whole grain food that is naturally low in saturated and trans fats. These types of fats are typically found in animal products, processed foods, and fried foods. Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast option that can help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Therefore, it is true that saturated and trans fats are not found in high levels in oatmeal.

Oatmeal itself does not contain gluten. However, cross-contamination can occur during processing and packaging, leading to gluten contamination in some oatmeal products. Therefore, it is important to choose certified gluten-free oatmeal if you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Oatmeal is not a good source of selenium. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone metabolism, and immune function. While oatmeal is a nutritious food that provides several vitamins and minerals, it does not contain significant amounts of selenium. Other food sources, such as Brazil nuts, fish, and meat, are better options for obtaining selenium in the diet.

The statement that oatmeal has been shown to increase liver health is false. While oatmeal is a nutritious food that can provide various health benefits, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it specifically improves liver health. Liver health can be influenced by various factors such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, but oatmeal alone does not have a direct impact on liver health.

Oatmeal contains vitamin A.

Whole oats contain more fat than most other grains because they have a higher oil content. The outer layer of the oat grain, known as the bran, is where most of the fat is found. This makes whole oats a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. In comparison to refined grains, such as white rice or white bread, whole oats provide a higher amount of dietary fat. However, it's important to note that the fat content in whole oats is still relatively low compared to other high-fat foods.