If you’re not eating oatmeal for breakfast, you’re missing out on a delicious way to add fiber and nutrients to your body first thing in the morning.

Regardless of whether or not you lead an active lifestyle, oatmeal is a great source of energy to jumpstart your morning. It’s low in fat, with a nice dose of protein, and full of fiber.

So here are amazing benefits why you should eat oatmeal every morning

Lower Your Cholesterol Levels: Oatmeal contains a soluble fiber called beta-glucan. Beta-glucan dissolves in the digestive tract to form a thick gel-like substance that absorbs excess cholesterol.Why is cholesterol bad? Well, cholesterol can form plaques and blood clots in your arteries which if dislodged, can cause a heart attack or stroke

Stabilize Your Blood Sugar: That thick gel-like substance also slows down the absorption of sugars from your digestive system. This evens-out your blood sugar levels and is especially beneficial to diabetics.

Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Besides slowing down sugar absorption, oatmeal also contains magnesium, which acts as a co-factor for enzymes that control glucose and insulin production.

Lose Weight: If a voracious appetite is thwarting your weight loss goals, oatmeal may be the answer. A 2014 study concluded that oatmeal increases fullness way more than ready-to-eat cereal. The beta-glucan in oatmeal also suppresses appetite by stimulating the release of appetite-control hormones.

Boost Your Immune System: A study concluded that beta-glucan can enhance the immune system by helping white blood cells find and eliminate bacteria.

Reduce Cancer Risk: Oatmeal contains lignans, which are compounds found in certain plants (flax seeds, sesame seeds, broccoli). Lignans are also phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) which can be beneficial in protecting against hormone-dependant cancers like breast and prostate cancer. Lignans also help fight heart disease.

It Provides High Levels Of Fibre, Proteins and Low Levels Of Fat: That means when you eat oats for breakfast, you’re going to feel full for a long time. Breakfast foods high in sugar and fat can make you feel full for a brief period, but then you’re hungry again. Oatmeal consisting of cut fruit, milk and honey can satisfy your hunger easily until lunch.

Oats Provide Important Minerals: Nutrient-rich oatmeal contains thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, selenium, and iron.