A University of Bonn clinical trial found that eating only oatmeal-300g daily for two days-reduced harmful LDL cholesterol by 10%. Participants also lost an average of two kilograms and saw modest blood pressure reductions. Benefits persisted six weeks after the intervention.
The study included 32 adults with metabolic syndrome. Researchers served plain oatmeal boiled in water, three times daily, with optional fruits or vegetables. No medications or exercise were prescribed.
Lead researcher Marie-Christine Simon, junior professor at the Institute of Nutritional and Food Science, called the approach "well-tolerated" and suggested periodic use could help maintain healthy cholesterol and delay diabetes onset.