The Efficacy and Functions of Cereal
Disease description:
I am a patient suffering from constipation. The distress of constipation is truly uncomfortable, with difficult and painful bowel movements. I've heard that cereal can be helpful. I'd like to ask the doctor about the effectiveness and benefits of cereal—what are they?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Oatmeal is rich in nutrients such as dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Its functions and benefits include:
1. Oatmeal is rich in dietary fiber, which absorbs water and expands in the intestines, increasing stool volume and promoting gastrointestinal motility, thereby effectively preventing and relieving constipation.
2. Linoleic acid and cellulose in oatmeal help reduce the concentrations of serum cholesterol and triglycerides, playing a positive role in preventing cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.
3. Additionally, oatmeal contains abundant vitamin B1, vitamin E, folic acid, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. These components not only help improve blood circulation but also prevent osteoporosis, promote wound healing, and prevent anemia.
4. The proteins in oatmeal can be enzymatically hydrolyzed into small-molecule peptides and amino acids, which have moisturizing and skin-nourishing effects, contributing to healthy skin.
For patients with specific diseases, such as diabetes, it is important to control total calorie and carbohydrate intake to avoid excessive consumption of oatmeal, which may cause blood glucose fluctuations.
