Are you a fan of Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge?
It’s a delicious and comforting breakfast option that many people enjoy. But is it actually healthy?
With so much conflicting information out there, it can be hard to know what to believe. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the nutritional information and claims surrounding this popular breakfast choice.
From sugar content to oat beta-glucan, we’ll explore the facts and help you make an informed decision about whether Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge is a healthy option for you.
So grab a bowl of porridge and let’s dive in!
Is Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge Healthy?
Let’s start with the basics. Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge is made from oats and golden syrup, a type of inverted sugar syrup made from sugar cane. It’s a popular breakfast option because it’s quick and easy to prepare, and it tastes great.
But when it comes to health, the sugar content is a concern. According to the nutritional information on the packaging, there are 21.5g of sugar per 100g of the mixture. While this isn’t as high as some other breakfast cereals, it’s still quite sugary.
However, it’s important to note that this sugar comes from the golden syrup and not added sugars. The porridge also contains oat beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels.
Each serving of Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge contains 3g of oat beta-glucan, which is 33% of the recommended daily intake. This means that incorporating this porridge into your diet could potentially have a positive impact on your heart health.
It’s also worth noting that the porridge contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, making it a more natural option compared to some other breakfast choices.
Nutritional Information: Calories, Sugar, And More
Now let’s take a closer look at the nutritional information of Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge. One serving of this porridge, which is 57g, contains 212 calories. Out of these calories, 3.2g come from fat, 4.2g come from protein, and the majority of the calories, which is 33g, come from carbohydrates.
When it comes to sugar content, one serving of Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge contains 12g of sugar. This may seem like a lot, but as mentioned earlier, the sugar comes from the golden syrup and not added sugars.
In terms of other nutrients, one serving of this porridge contains 4g of fiber, which is important for digestive health and can also help keep you feeling full for longer. Additionally, the porridge contains 80mg of sodium and 10mg of cholesterol.
While Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge does contain some important nutrients like fiber and protein, it is also high in sugar and calories. If you are trying to watch your weight or limit your sugar intake, it may be best to opt for a lower calorie and lower sugar breakfast option. However, if you do choose to incorporate this porridge into your diet, it’s important to do so in moderation and balance it out with other healthy choices throughout the day.
Oat Beta-Glucan: The Health Benefits
Oat beta-glucan is a type of soluble fiber found in oats, and it’s one of the key ingredients in Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge. This fiber has numerous health benefits, including its ability to help lower cholesterol levels.
When we consume oat beta-glucan, it partially dissolves in water and forms a thick, gel-like solution in our gut. This solution helps to bind with cholesterol in the digestive tract, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, consuming oat beta-glucan on a regular basis can help to lower blood cholesterol levels, which is a key risk factor for heart disease.
In fact, studies have shown that consuming just 3g of oat beta-glucan per day can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by up to 10%. This is because the fiber helps to increase the excretion of bile acids, which are made from cholesterol. As a result, the liver needs to use more cholesterol to make more bile acids, leading to a reduction in circulating cholesterol levels.
Oat beta-glucan also has other health benefits. It can help to improve blood sugar control, which is important for people with diabetes. It can also promote healthy gut bacteria and increase feelings of fullness, making it a great option for weight management.
Is Golden Syrup Healthy?
Golden syrup is a popular ingredient in Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge, but is it healthy? Golden syrup is essentially white sugar that has been inverted, meaning that the sucrose has been broken down into two simpler sugars, fructose and glucose. The fructose content gives a heightened perception of sweetness, so when used as a sweetening agent, about 25% less golden syrup can be used than granulated white sugar.
While golden syrup has no dietary advantage over granulated white sugar, it does contain essential nutrients such as Vitamin B6, Thiamin and Iron, making it a healthier option than other forms of sugar. Consuming golden syrup can help regulate blood sugar as it has a lower Glycemic Index than regular sugar and can provide a more steady release of energy, which is ideal for those with diabetes.
Golden syrup is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of certain illnesses. Additionally, golden syrup can aid in digestion due to its high content of prebiotic fiber. It also contains natural occurring sugar alcohols which can help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
However, it’s important to note that golden syrup is still a form of sugar and should be consumed in moderation. While Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge does contain some golden syrup, it also contains oat beta-glucan, which has been shown to have positive effects on heart health. Therefore, incorporating this porridge into your diet can be a healthy breakfast choice as long as it’s consumed in moderation.
Alternatives To Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge
If you’re looking for a lower sugar alternative to Quaker Oats Golden Syrup Porridge, there are plenty of options available. One option is to make your own porridge at home using plain oats and sweetening it with natural ingredients like honey or fresh fruit.
Another option is to try out some of the lower syn ready-made porridge alternatives available in stores. Some popular options include Alpro Oat Original Porridge, which contains only 4.5g of sugar per 100g, and Rude Health’s Ultimate Almond Porridge, which contains no added sugars at all.
If you’re looking for a more indulgent option, you could try out granola instead of porridge. Granola is made from rolled cereals and syrup, and can be mixed with nuts and dried fruits for added flavor and nutrition. However, it’s important to note that granola can be high in calories and sugar, so it’s best to choose a low sugar option and watch your portion sizes.
