Oat bran is the outer husk of the oat grain, which is high in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that can decrease cholesterol if consumed on a daily basis, according to Canadian nutritionist Leslie Beck, RD. A half cup of oat bran cereal contains 3g of beta-glucan and may help decrease the risk of heart disease. Soluble fiber may also slow the absorption of sugars into the blood stream, helping to stabilize glucose levels.
Step 1
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. You may substitute 1/2 the water for a 1/2 cup of milk. Soy, almond, rice or cow's milk will make a creamier cereal and add sweetness.
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Step 2
Add 1/4 cup of oat bran and 1 tbsp. of ground flax seed. Reduce the heat to low, as you cover the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until the oats soften and the cereal thickens to a porridge consistency.
Step 3
Remove from the heat and add the honey and cinnamon. If using the banana, mash it and stir it into the cereal at this point.
Things You'll Need
1/4 cup oat bran
1 cup water
1 tsp. honey
1 tbsp. ground flax seed
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 banana, optional
Tip
Add sweetness with dried fruits or shredded coconut, rather than sugar. Top your cereal with chopped nuts or slivered almonds to add protein and crunch.
Warning
If feeding this cereal to an infant, substitute maple syrup for honey. Infants under one years of age should not consume honey.
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