If you’re a fan of muffins but not the excess calories, then today is your lucky day! It’s National Oatmeal Muffin Day, which means we get to enjoy mouthwatering delicious muffins without needing to worry about our cholesterol levels. Unlike most muffins, the oatmeal variety actually helps reduce unhealthy fat and boost energy levels—on top of other health benefits, of course! So this December 19th make sure to grab or bake yourself some oatmeal muffins for a guilt-free holiday celebration!
5 More Reasons to Love Oatmeal Muffins
They’re Packed with Nutrients
With oats as their main ingredient, oatmeal muffins are not only a good source of protein but they’re also loaded with vitamins and minerals! They usually contain high amounts of B vitamins, which help the body digest carbs properly and maintain nerve function; manganese, which reduces body inflammation and enhances bone health; magnesium, which improves muscle function; and zinc, which strengthens immune function. Pretty amazing, if you ask me!
They’re Rich in Antioxidants
Aside from packing a powerful nutritional punch, oatmeal muffins are often made with antioxidant-rich ingredients. Oats, for instance, contain antioxidant compounds called avenanthramides, which help prevent inflammatory conditions, like asthma and arthritis, and lower blood pressure. Raisins and cranberries are also common oatmeal muffin ingredients, and both are known for their antioxidant properties, as well as their ability to aid in digestion, raise iron levels, and strengthen bones.
They Enhance Heart Health and Aid in Weight Loss
Oats contain a type of fiber known as beta-glucan, which is proven to help lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol. That means incorporating snacks made with whole oats, like oatmeal muffins, to your regular diet can keep your heart healthy and give you that extra weight loss boost!
They Help Control Blood Sugar Levels
Yep! Since oatmeal muffins contain lots of whole oats, they can help normalize blood sugar levels, especially in people who are overweight or suffer from type II diabetes. Low in carbs and rich in soluble fiber, oats are known to have a low glycemic index, meaning they’re less likely to cause blood sugar spikes.
They Alleviate Constipation
Like we mentioned earlier, oatmeal is rich in easily digestible fiber, and you know what that means! It improves digestion and promotes easier passage of stool, relieving constipation, as well as other digestive problems, like diarrhea and irritable bowel disease.
Oatmeal Is Good for Pets, Too!
If you’re thinking of celebrating oatmeal muffin day with your pet, then we completely support the idea! Oatmeal has amazing benefits for humans, but it’s good for pets, too! Hearty and nutritious, oatmeal muffins make great pet treats as long as they’re given in moderation. However, before you let your furry friend take a bite out of the ones you prepared for the occasion, make sure that they don’t contain ingredients that are toxic to pets, like chocolates, raisins, grapes, black walnuts, and macadamia nuts. To ensure your pet’s safety, we suggest baking a few pet-friendly versions for them instead. You can try this oatmeal muffin recipe or purchase ready-made ones here.
10 Fun Facts About Oats
Fact # 1: Oats were initially used as food for livestock.
Fact # 2: Oats are celebrated several times each year. Aside from National Oatmeal Muffin Day, there’s also National Oatmeal Day (October 29), National Oatmeal Cookie Day (March 18), and National Oatmeal Month (the whole month of January).
Fact # 3: Bathing in oat-filled bathwater can help soothe irritated skin from conditions like sunburn, eczema, bug bites, chickenpox, and poison ivy.
Fact # 4: There’s a small town in Texas called Oatmeal.
Fact # 5: Every year, an Oatmeal Festival is held in Bertram, Texas, near Oatmeal.
Fact # 6: Oatmeal can serve as prebiotics and help increase the number of good bacteria in the gut.
Fact # 7: Oats are effective at curbing out-of-control appetites.
Fact # 8: Oats are used in making meatloaf.
Fact # 9: Oatmeal is found in 75% of American households.
Fact # 10: There are four types of oats: steel-cut oats, instant oats, whole oats, and old-fashioned oats.
How to Celebrate National Oatmeal Muffin Day
Eat Some Oatmeal Muffins
What better way to declare your love for oatmeal muffins than to drop by your favorite muffin store and grab some for yourself! Or better yet, pick up a box or two for your friends and family so they can join in on the celebration, as well. Don’t forget to get pet-friendly ones for your furry friends!
Try A New Oatmeal Muffin Recipe
If you’ve been meaning to explore new baking recipes, why not go for a new oatmeal muffin concoction? There’s a ton of ingredients that you can mix and match to create the perfect oatmeal muffin! Get creative and try a recipe that’s out of your comfort zone. Who knows? You may discover food combinations that you never would’ve otherwise expected to go well together.
What flavor of oatmeal muffin do you like best?
