Why Overnight Oats are better than Regular Cooked Oats (2024)

The popularity of oats is already on the rise and its benefits doesn’t need to be put to light. Overnight oats are relatively new in trend and these are regular oats which are kept overnight (6-8 hours preferably) mixed with milk/yogurt/nut milk and toppings and sweetener of your choice and ready to be eaten the next morning. It can be customized with fruits, seeds, spreads, protein powder or even jam.

Here is why Overnight version of oats is better than the cooked one:

  1. Who doesn’t wanna wake up to ready to eat, no-cooking-required, super healthy breakfast! Just mix the ingredients before bed, pop it in the fridge overnight andTada!Wake up to your healthy breakfast ready to be eaten. No cooking, no mess, no fuss.
  2. Soaking the oats overnight reduces the phytic acid content present in the oats better than cooking them. Phytic acid is an antioxidant naturally present in grains, legumes, tubers and certain vegetables. However, it is considered as anti-nutrient because it affects the absorption of minerals such as iron, zinc, manganese from the food. This is also one of the reasons why most pulses, legumes are soaked overnight in water. Why Overnight Oats are better than Regular Cooked Oats (1)
  3. Nutrient content is often altered while cooking. While it is great to increase digestibility, cooking Oats or any other food or vegetable reduces nutrition of the food by about 25%. Water soluble vitamins (Vit C, B complex), fat soluble vitamins (Vit A, D, E, K) and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium are often reduced during cooking. The intensity of heat while cooking is the contributing factor, lower the heat better the nutrient availability. When you soak the oats overnight, it’s almost like you’re cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it’s done without heat. Hence, it is more nutrient rich than cooked version. Why Overnight Oats are better than Regular Cooked Oats (2)
  4. Overnight oats contain increased resistant starch. Resistant starch is a natural carb which is resistant to digestion and acts as soluble fiber. It is found in all starchy foods and is present at higher levels in cooled starchy foods instead of cooked ones. Resistant starch helps to improve digestion, aids in weight loss, increases feeling of fullness and decreases insulin spikes.
Why Overnight Oats are better than Regular Cooked Oats (2024)

FAQs

Why Overnight Oats are better than Regular Cooked Oats? ›

Overnight oats contain increased resistant starch. Resistant starch is a natural carb which is resistant to digestion and acts as soluble fiber. It is found in all starchy foods and is present at higher levels in cooled starchy foods instead of cooked ones.

Why are overnight oats better than cooked oats? ›

In terms of specific benefits, overnight oats has a higher resistant starch content. Resistant starch is a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut and supporting a healthy digestive system.

What's the point of overnight oats? ›

When you soak oats, it's almost like you're cooking them without heat. Soaking helps the starches break down and reduces the natural phytic acid, which may help your body utilize the oats' nutrients much more efficiently. Overnight oats are healthier for your gut.

Is oats overnight actually healthy? ›

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

Why are overnight oats better than instant oatmeal? ›

Another thing is the fact that as opposed to the cooked oatmeals since overnight oatmeals are not boiled they retain more nutrients. Overnight oatmeals also incorporate raw oats unlike cooked oatmeals, which use instant oats and therefore making it relatively more nutritious.

Is it okay to eat overnight oats everyday? ›

Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.

How long do you soak overnight oats for? ›

You only need to let the oats soak and rest in the fridge for 2 hours. But, it's ideal if you soak it overnight…hence the name overnight oats! The next morning you have a ready-to-eat, delicious, creamy bowl or jar of “oatmeal.” The consistency is like a porridge or pudding.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
  1. Using water instead of milk. ...
  2. Forgetting to add salt. ...
  3. Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
  4. Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
  5. Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
  6. Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
  7. Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
  8. Assuming you have to eat it cold.
Oct 21, 2023

Do overnight oats spike blood sugar? ›

Oats are rich in carbohydrates and a fibre called beta-glucan, which helps in the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. However, consuming oats in isolation and in the morning may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels due to the Dawn effect.

Should I refrigerate overnight oats? ›

We recommend storing overnight oats in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to five days. That means if you're meal-prepping on Sunday, you can make a work week's worth of overnight oats and not have to think about breakfast again until Saturday.

How many hours is best for overnight oats? ›

Add the desired amounts of milk, oats, yogurt, chia seeds and banana to a jar or container and give them a good stir. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 hours. In the morning, add additional liquid if you'd like.

Is it OK to use regular oats for overnight oats? ›

Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice for overnight oats. They soak up the liquid overnight, leaving you with a creamy (but not mushy) texture. Save steel-cut and quick-cooking oats for another time. Milk: You can make overnight oats with any kind of milk — dairy or non-dairy.

Are overnight oats good for gut health? ›

Oats improve gut health

The Beta-Glucan in oats promotes bile-acid excretion which transports toxins out of your gut.

What are the healthiest oats to use for overnight oats? ›

old fashioned rolled oats – rolled oats work best for overnight oats recipes! Quick oats/instant oats get too soggy and steel-cut oats don't soften enough. Oats are naturally gluten-free but are often cross-contaminated, so make sure you grab certified gluten-free, old-fashioned oats!

Which is healthier, cooked or overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats are the more nutritious option, but that doesn't mean that this meal is for everyone.

What's the hype with overnight oats? ›

Eating overnight oats offers several benefits, including: Nutrient-rich: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from ingredients like oats, fruits, and nuts. Sustained energy: Complex carbohydrates in oats provide a steady release of energy throughout the morning.

Is it healthier to soak oats overnight? ›

When soaked overnight, the starch in the oats is naturally broken down, allowing more nutrients to be absorbed by the oats. This causes the oatmeal to swell up and absorb the liquid through every pore, making it a healthy and filling breakfast meal on its own.

Are raw oats healthier than cooked? ›

Is it better to eat cooked or raw oats? Cooked oats might be easier to digest for some, as cooking helps break down the starch they contain. However, neither way to eat oats is better or worse. How you choose to eat them—either raw or cooked—comes down to personal preference.

Why can't you use instant oats for overnight oats? ›

Leave instant oats behind when making overnight oats. Since they are so small, they'll actually just end up almost dissolving in the liquid. Steel-cuts oats can be used but expect them to very chewy and fairly dense.

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