Getting a daily dose of oats will help fight off winter fatigue, boost energy levels and warm up the body on cold mornings whilst oat porridge makes a great hearty breakfast at cooler times of the year, creating strong warming energy that will keep you going until lunchtime.
Oats are also a superfood containing antioxidants that help keep the heart healthy, and beta-glucan (a type of fibre) that has been shown to lower cholesterol, enhance the immune system and stabilise blood sugar. From a Macrobiotic perspective they are ideal for those people who really struggle with the cold in winter, lacking in energy and feeling tired all the time. Porridge creates warmth and energy and can provide a real lift to your system and your mood. Also, because they contain more fat than other grains, they are richer and more warming, making them an ideal winter food.
Whole oats (sometimes known as groats) are best as they are easier to digest and more nourishing – once broken open and processed they begin to lose nutrients. To be digestable, grains are better cooked with water – granola and muesli, for example, are eaten in their raw form making them more difficult to digest, which can cause fermentation and gas, and not provide as much energy.
Porridge Oats Fact File
Recipe – Whole Oat Porridge
This traditional Scottish recipe is creamy and very warming on colder mornings. It serves three to four people.
Ingredients
1 cup of whole oats
5-6 cups of water
1 pinch sea salt
Method
1. Wash the oats – add water to cover and gently stir with hand, then pour off dirty water, repeat one or twice until water is clear.
2. Place in a saucepan with the cooking water and salt. Cover and bring to the boil.
3. Reduce the heat to very low and simmer for several hours, or overnight in the winter. Alternatively, cook for 45 minutes the night before and half an hour in the morning.
Serve with seasonal fruit, and/or seeds.
If you enjoyed this recipe check out How To Keep Warm In Winter With Macrobiotics.
