You Ask, I Answer: Oats

I've been trying to add more soluble fibre to my diet but I can't STAND oatmeal.

Am I losing out on any of the properties of the oats by toasting them and having them as part of a home made granola, as opposed to as oatmeal?

-- "J" (last name unknown)
Via the blog

First of all, I commend you for taking a smart and practical approach to healthy eating.

J has incorporated a very important nutriton lesson -- if a healthy food's traditional way of preparation and consumption doesn't quite match up with your palate, think outside the box!

To answer your question, J, you are not missing out on the health benefits of oats by toasting them. This process does not leech out any nutrients.

If anything, doing so enhances them by bringing out their delicious nutty flavor and providing a very appealing crunch.

And, since all you do is spread the oats in a single layer on a baking pan and pop them in the oven for 10 minutes (at approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit), you are not adding extra calories in the form of oil or butter.

If you feel more comfortable using your stovetop, by the way, you can also toast the oats in a skillet over a medium flame until they turn a slight brown color and you smell a nutty aroma.

Keep in mind that granola is very calorically dense, so be sure to keep an eye on your portion sizes.

See how you like adding toasted oats to soups, yogurt, and salads.