Ditch the Flavored Oatmeal: Hey there, fellow parents; let’s talk about one of the most popular breakfast options for kids – oatmeal. Oatmeal is a delicious, filling, and healthy breakfast option linked to various health benefits. It’s a great source of fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, studies have shown that consuming oatmeal can significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.

Oatmeal is also rich in antioxidants, which can protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, oatmeal has a low glycemic index, which means it can help regulate blood sugar levels and may be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Overall, incorporating oatmeal into your child’s diet can be a simple and delicious way to promote good health.

The Health Risks of Flavored Oatmeal

However, not all oatmeal is created equal, and flavored oatmeal, in particular, can be harmful to your child’s health. It may seem like a healthy meal, but it’s actually quite dangerous due to the artificial colors, non-organic oats, and artificial flavors it contains.

Many flavored oatmeal products contain synthetic colors like Yellow 5 and Red 40, which have been linked to hyperactivity, allergies, and even cancer. Non-organic oats, on the other hand, are often treated with pesticides and other chemicals that can contaminate the oats and pose a health risk. Glyphosate, a common weed killer, has been found in oats and oat-based products and has been linked to cancer, developmental problems, and hormonal disruption.

Artificial flavors, which are often a combination of chemicals, can also trigger allergies, respiratory problems, and digestive issues, and some have even been linked to cancer and nervous system damage.

The Solution: Choosing Natural and Organic Oatmeal

So, as parents, what can we do to ensure that we’re feeding our kids healthy and safe oatmeal? The solution is simple – choose natural, organic oatmeal and add your own flavors using fresh fruit, nuts, and other natural ingredients.

When shopping for store-bought oatmeal, make sure to look for organic, simple ingredients on the label. You can also make your own oatmeal using certified organic oats and all-natural whole-food ingredients like fruit, nut butter, and collagen powder.

Adding good fats and protein, like nut butter and collagen powder, can also help balance the macros and make your child’s oatmeal more filling and nutritious.

By taking these steps, you can avoid exposing your child to harmful chemicals and additives and provide them with a healthy and nutritious breakfast that supports their overall health and well-being.

The Naughty List

• Quaker, Fruit & Cream Oatmeal
• Quaker Instant Oatmeal, Maple Brown Sugar
• Quaker, Instant Oatmeal, Apple & Cinnamon
• Great Value Fruit & Cream Variety Instant Oatmeal
• Kind, Gluten Free Oatmeal, Apple, Cinnamon & Almond
• Pebbles Fruity Instant Oatmeal
• Kodiak Protein-Packed Instant Oatmeal Maple & Brown Sugar
• Better Oats Revolution! Steel Cut Oats Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal
• Quaker Instant Oatmeal Cookies & Cream
• Quaker Instant Oatmeal Chocolate

The Good List

• Thrive Market, Organic Overnight Oats, Double Chocolate Berry
• Purely Elizabeth Superfood Oats Apple Cinnamon Pecan
• Purely Elizabeth Superfood Oats Mixed Berry
• Purely Elizabeth, Collagen Protein Oats Cup, Vanilla Pecan
• Nature’s Path Organic Gluten-Free Brown Sugar Maple Instant Oatmeal
• Nature’s Path, Organic Instant Oatmeal, Apple Cinnamon
• Seven Sundays, Wild & Free Muesli, Blueberry Chia Buckwheat
• Seven Sundays, Organic Farmers Market Muesli, Almond Date Currant

So, fellow parents, let’s make sure we’re not feeding our kids toxic oats and opt for natural, organic varieties instead. Your kids will thank you for it, and you can rest easy knowing that you’re providing them with a healthy and safe breakfast option.

References

1. Whitehead, A., Beck, E. J., Tosh, S., & Wolever, T. M. (2014). Cholesterol-lowering effects of oat β-glucan: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 100(6), 1413-1421. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.086108
2. Tanaka T, Takasaki W, Endo Y, Fukuda S, Shirai T. Developmental toxicity of food azo dyes administered to mice during pregnant and lactation periods. II. Red No.40. Food Chem Toxicol. 2009 Nov;47(11):2918-22. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2009.08.008. Epub 2009 Aug 15. PMID: 19686771.
3. Gillezeau C, van Gerwen M, Shaffer RM, et al. Glyphosate exposure in pregnancy and shortened gestational length: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Health. 2019;18(1):23. Published 2019 Mar 8. doi:10.1186/s12940-019-0453-y