There are a lot of different breakfast options to choose from, but two of the most popular are grits and oatmeal. So, which one is the healthier option?
Grits are made from cornmeal that has been ground into a coarse powder. They are typically boiled in water or milk and served with butter, salt, pepper, and cheese.
Oatmeal is made from ground oats that have been steamed or boiled to soften them before they are eaten. Oatmeal is usually served with butter, salt, pepper, and brown sugar or maple syrup.
Which Is More Nutritious?
Oatmeal is more nutritious than grits, offering up to five times more fiber and four times more calcium than traditional breakfast cereal based on equal serving sizes. It also has a lower glycemic index score than most other cereals making it better for your health overall because it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Grits contain high amounts of carbs, but they also provide zinc, vitamin B6, magnesium and iron. So while healthy sides of grits are really good for you, the amount of carbs may be unhealthy if you’re watching your weight or have diabetes. The carbs found in both grits and oatmeal spike blood sugar levels, but oatmeal has more protein and less fat.
Which Is More Filling?
Both grits and oatmeal are good options for breakfast because they’ll make you feel full and satisfied throughout the morning. If you’re pressed for time in the mornings, grab a bowl of one of these hot cereals to eat on your way out the door; they’ll keep you energized until lunchtime! But if you have time to spare, go with oatmeal because it will fill you up longer than grits will.
Oats contain beta-glucan which is a type of soluble fiber that provides bulk to aid satiety by stimulating receptors in the digestive tract so that messages are sent to your brain faster letting it know that you’re full. This type of fiber also helps to slow digestion and keep blood sugar levels stable.
Which Is Easier To Digest?
Oats are the easier cereal to digest because they contain a low level of phytic acid which is an antinutrient that can make it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients from other foods. Grits contain more phytic acid, so if you have a hard time digesting grains, oatmeal is the better option for you.
So Which One Is The Winner?
Overall, oats are the healthier and more filling breakfast option when compared to grits. If you’re looking for a nutritious way to start your day, go with a bowl of oatmeal over grits!