January is National Oatmeal Month. More oatmeal is consumed in January than any other month. Eating oatmeal can lower blood cholesterol and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Many athletes eat rolled oats for the high level of complex carbohydrates and water-soluble fiber that assist slow digestion and help maintain stable blood-glucose levels. Oatmeal is more than cereal or cookies. These tips will get you rolling on Oatmeal Month. It’s National Oatmeal month. Today, millions of Americans will consume, at least, one bowl of oatmeal. From instant oatmeal to rolled, old fashioned oats, oatmeal provides a plethora of vitamins and nutrients crucial to the health of our bodies. Most importantly, oatmeal provides a good solid serving of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. With cholesterol levels on the rise, soluble oatmeal fiber works to improve the level of LDL cholesterol thereby improving the overall cholesterol health of the consumer; another good reason to enjoy oatmeal, especially during National Oatmeal Month, a January celebration.
If you don’t often choose oatmeal as your winter breakfast, this is a great time to enjoy some hot oatmeal. Given the cold weather outside for most Americans each January, it’s not surprising that we buy more oatmeal in January than any other month. Most Americans have oats or oatmeal in their kitchen pantry so there’s no excuse not to try it. Known for the significant health benefits, oatmeal, for some, is a staple in the daily dietary program. Whether eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack, oatmeal provides a warming, soft, nutritious meal for children and adults alike. In January of each year, our country recognizes oatmeal for its nutritional value in what is known as National Oatmeal Month.
In case you hadn’t heard, January is a very special month. Not just because we all head back to the gym with resolutions in mind or because it’s considered the door to the year, but also because it’s the month that we celebrate oatmeal.
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Ø Keep the oatmeal handy. Mix oatmeal into homemade meatballs and meatloaf to help meat hold its shape better during cooking. Make a unique pie crust by using oatmeal for half the flour. Add oatmeal to thicken chili. Stir oatmeal into muffins, pancakes and breads for nutty flavor and healthy fiber.
Ø Cleanse skin with an oatmeal scrub. Homemade or store bought, an oatmeal scrub is a natural way to get rid of dead skin cells and exfoliate hands and face. The oatmeal relieves itchy skin and protects against dryness.
Ø Pamper your dog with oatmeal shampoo. Oatmeal reduces inflammation and itchy skin. Allergic dogs often bite at their paws and rip out fur to attack inflamed skin. Use the oatmeal pet shampoo as directed to ease itching from allergies, hot spots, irritated skin and insect bites.
Ø Make oatmeal clay for rainy day child play. Mix 1 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup water. Children can mold and form the knobby clay into shapes. Use a blender to grind oatmeal into powder for a smoother clay. Make colored clay by adding food coloring to the water. For another day of play, let the artworks dry. The hardened oatmeal clay can then be decorated with non-toxic paint. This oatmeal clay is fun but not edible.
Ø Treat poison oak or other rashes with an oatmeal paste. An old home remedy advises soaking oatmeal in water to make a paste. If a smooth paste is needed, blender the oatmeal into powder before adding water. Put the oatmeal paste liberally on the rash and leave it for up to 20 minutes. Folklore says as the oatmeal dries, it absorbs the oils that make the poison itch and spread. Peal off the paste and wash the affected area gently.
Ø Pack an oatmeal poultice for day trips. Put a couple tablespoons dry oatmeal in an old clean sock for the travel kit. When rash strikes or insects bite, soak the oatmeal sock in water. Apply as a cooling pack to ease the bites on children and pets. Repeat as needed. A wise camper also packs oatmeal cookies for the people and oatmeal treats for the dogs. Take a well-earned cookie break and celebrate National Oatmeal Month.
