The word porridge comes from the English and means porridge. In the USA, oatmeal is also called oatmeal. Porridge , also known as oatmeal, is originally from Scotland. In the Scottish Highlands, it is called "brochan."
Meanwhile, porridge is known everywhere and is eaten in many different variations. In this post, you will learn more about the history of porridge, why porridge is so popular and healthy, and you will discover more about the variety of this delicious dish.
What exactly is porridge?
Porridge is a cereal porridge made from oats and is mixed with water or milk. However, you can also combine water and milk. If the oats are highly diluted, it is referred to as oat soup.
The strained porridge that results after cooking the nutritious oats is called oatmeal. The popular porridge has a creamy consistency. You can enhance it with toppings such as nuts, chia seeds or fresh fruit.
The history of oatmeal and how porridge was created
Now to the history of porridge : it dates back about 12,000 years when humanity transitioned from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled farming. The grain was further processed and mixed into a porridge, which we now know as porridge.
However, the grain was not only processed into porridge. People also thickened the porridge and baked it in flat or brick form on hot stones or in the embers of the fire.
This extended the shelf life of the oats, making them easier to transport. The development from "porridge to bread" spread quickly and was adopted on all continents.
Why is oatmeal in porridge so healthy?
Oatmeal is one of the healthiest foods. The flakes provide more nutrients than other cereals. They are good for the intestinal flora and are also low in gluten. Oatmeal contains many important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that give our bodies a lot of energy, especially in the morning.
Thanks to the fiber in the oats, you stay full for a long time and do something good for your gastrointestinal tract. Regular consumption of porridge also lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, thanks to the soluble fiber beta-glucan.
What are the ingredients of porridge?
Porridge contains biotin and zinc, which are important for metabolism. The oats also provide a lot of plant-based iron and magnesium, which are essential for the body. Oatmeal is low in gluten and contains many important vitamins, minerals, fiber (especially magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc), and antioxidants. Additionally, they are a good source of protein that athletes and vegans often rely on.
What are the health benefits of oatmeal?
Oatmeal can help you lose weight . In the morning, a healthy breakfast lowers your blood sugar levels and keeps your stomach full with fiber. Thus, you are guaranteed to stay full until lunch and prevent cravings. The flakes are therefore also suitable for type 2 diabetics.
Oatmeal may improve insulin sensitivity; the fiber beta-glucan is responsible for this. This substance ensures a slow emptying of the stomach, leading to less glucose being absorbed into the blood.
Porridge can also help with the chronic disease asthma. For example, it is possible to prevent asthma in children if they are fed oatmeal before the age of 6 months.
Oatmeal contains numerous antioxidants and polyphenols, including avenanthramides. This antioxidant can lower blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow. The avenanthramides can also inhibit inflammation and itching, providing the body with protection against premature aging of tissues.
Oatmeal may also help counteract cancer, as it contains cytokines that regulate cell growth, protecting against inflammation of the arteries and atherosclerosis.
Can I only eat porridge for breakfast?
Porridge is not only suitable for breakfast. You can also enjoy it for lunch or dinner. Thanks to the numerous nutrients, oatmeal can replace a complete meal. Porridge doesn't have to be boring! You can enhance and spice up your oatmeal with a variety of spices, fruits, berries , nuts, or seeds.
Porridge basic recipe
Porridge recipe:
Ingredients
- 50 g oatmeal
- 250 ml milk (you can, of course, use a milk alternative or water instead of cow's milk)
- 1 pinch of salt
Preparation
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Briefly roast the oatmeal in a pan.
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Place the roasted oatmeal in a small pot together with the liquid.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until a pasty consistency is achieved.
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Season with a pinch of salt.
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Add any toppings such as fruits, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, spices, etc.
Tip
Porridge variety – How can I prepare and enjoy porridge?
Porridge is quick to prepare. The oatmeal or porridge, which usually consists of oats and water or milk, is heated on the stove. According to the original Scottish recipe, the pure oats are only refined with a pinch of salt.
If you don't have much time, you can prepare the porridge in the microwave. As a rule, it is ready in just 3 minutes. You can also enjoy porridge cold, for example as "overnight oats" . To do this, leave the oats overnight mixed with a liquid of your choice. The oats then swell up, allowing the full aroma to unfold.
For a healthy breakfast, not only are toppings like nuts, chia seeds, or fresh fruit suitable. The oatmeal can also be well enhanced with cheese or egg. In any case, there is something for every taste, whether sweet or savory.
