Is it OK to Eat Raw Oatmeal?
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Ask the Diva: Is it OK to Eat Raw Oatmeal?
Q. I love eating oatmeal raw or slightly toasted instead of cooked and mushy. Is there anything unhealthy about eating grains this way?
Answer. Rolled oats aren’t actually raw. The grains are put through heavy rollers to flatten them and then steamed and often lightly toasted as well. It’s fine to eat them this way. In fact, uncooked rolled oats are the main ingredient in muesli cereal. As with any grain, however, you want to be mindful of portion size. A serving of uncooked oatmeal is about 1/3 cup.
For more on how many servings of grains you should eat, see my episode Are Grains Really Necessary for a Healthy Diet?
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.