Turning 101 Years Old

When I was 10 years old, my grade 5 schoolteacher told me that the secret to a healthy, long life is oatmeal. …But what was her evidence? Well, her strong and healthy mom (who, by the way, was 101) ate oatmeal every morning! Almost 20 years later, I still remember this story. However, now that I’m studying nutrition, it’s time to explore this phenomenon – is oatmeal really the secret to becoming a centenarian? Oatmeal is a great way to start your day—quick rolled oats with melted brown sugar and a tad of cream is just absolutely divine, although you might find yourself hungry again in no time! How can this be? Doesn’t oatmeal have a ton of fiber?

It does…but probably not as much as you think. Reflecting back on a post from April 2012, I recommended your breakfast cereal contain at least 4 grams of fiber per serving. But oatmeal (quick rolled oats) only contain 3 grams of fiber per serving—the equivalent to one piece of whole wheat bread…no wonder you’re hungry again.

So, how can we make oatmeal more filling?

• Try adding nuts (e.g. almonds), fresh fruit (e.g. frozen berries) or ground flax seeds.

• Consider making the switch to steel cut oats, which contain 5 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein per serving.

Steel cut oats are the least processed—they’re simply toasted and chopped, which is why they take a “wee bit longer” to prepare. On the other hand, rolled oats are toasted and run through rollers, which turns the groats (oat cereal) into flakes, making them easier to digest and quicker to cook.

Going back to our first question regarding the link between oatmeal and becoming a centenarian - I’m not sure there’s any scientific evidence behind that claim. However, the common theme amongst centenarians is that they all have good coping mechanisms and a purpose. So, what are you passionate about?

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Image courtesy of KeeganEvans