23 ideas for porridge toppings to soothe the gut, inflammation, hormones and more (2024)

FAQs

23 ideas for porridge toppings to soothe the gut, inflammation, hormones and more? ›

Good sources of anti-inflammatory fats include extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, walnut oil, hemp oil, flaxseed oil, as well as avocadoes, nuts, seeds (e.g., ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp hearts), and the omega-3 fats found in wild fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines.

Good sources of anti-inflammatory fats include extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, walnut oil, hemp oil, flaxseed oil, as well as avocadoes, nuts, seeds (e.g., ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp hearts), and the omega-3 fats found in wild fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines.

Porridge oats contain a special type of fibre (beta-glucan) which is proven to help nourish and replenish levels of healthy gut bacteria as well as maintain normal levels of cholesterol.

The Bottom Line

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Whatever you do, steer clear of the worst offenders: dried fruit with added sugars, like Craisins or dried pineapple. "These are almost always made with added sugar, if not also an artificial sweetener, says Pennsylvania-based RD Gina Consalvo. "Always choose a fresh fruit instead." Need hard proof?

Steel-cuts and rolled oats have a lower glycemic index than quick oats, potentially making them the best choices for blood sugar control.

It is known as simply "porridge" or, more commonly in the United States and Canada, "oatmeal". In the US, oat and wheat porridge can both be called "hot cereal". Rolled oats are commonly used in England, oatmeal in Scotland and steel-cut oats in Ireland.

Now that you better understand the difference between porridge and oatmeal, you can decide which dish best suits your lifestyle. Though porridge may offer a wider variety of flavor options, oatmeal is loaded with nutritious and filling ingredients that make it an excellent morning meal.

Which is healthier, chia seeds or oatmeal? ›

Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.

The regular consumption of nutrient-dense foods can help reduce gut inflammation. Many experts recommend a Mediterranean-style diet for gut health. This includes green leafy vegetables, nuts, and berries which contain polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fill Up On Fiber

Eating more fiber can improve the health and variety of different types of good bacteria in our gut. Higher-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains also contain prebiotics, which are a type of fiber which helps nourish gut bacteria.