Grits are a popular breakfast food in the Southern United States, but they’re so much more than that. Did you know that grits are a healthy food and suitable for celiacs?
They’re low in calories and fat, and they’re a good source of fiber. Plus, they have some other surprising health benefits. Here are four health benefits of grits you didn’t know about.
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Grits May Help Lower Cholesterol Levels
Grits are made from corn, which is a whole grain. Whole grains contain soluble fiber, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. In one study, people who ate three servings of whole grains per day had lower cholesterol levels than those who ate the same amount of refined grains. If you’re looking to lower your cholesterol levels, eating grits for breakfast is a good way to do it.
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Grits May Help Prevent Constipation
Grits are also a good source of insoluble fiber, which helps keep things moving along in your digestive system and prevents constipation. If you’re struggling with constipation, try eating a bowl of grits for breakfast. The insoluble fiber will help get things moving again.
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Grits May Help You Lose Weight
If you’re trying to lose weight, grits can help. That’s because they’re low in calories and fat. A cup of cooked grits has only about 100 calories and no fat. Plus, the soluble fiber in grits helps you feel full and satisfied after eating them. So if you’re looking for a healthy breakfast that will help you lose weight, grits are a good choice.
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Grits May Reduce the Risk of Diabetes
Eating grits may also help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. That’s because the soluble fiber in grits helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. In one study, people who ate three servings of whole grains per day had a 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who ate less than one serving per day. If you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, eating grits may help prevent it.
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Packed with antioxidants
Grits are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage. Antioxidants have been linked to a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. So if you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option that will help you stay healthy, eating grits is a good choice.
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May protect against degenerative eye disorders
Another health benefit of grits is that they may help protect against degenerative eye disorders. That’s because the antioxidants in grits can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are thought to contribute to degenerative eye disorders. In one study, people who ate a diet rich in antioxidants had a lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. So, if you’re looking for food that may help protect your eyesight, eating grits is a good choice.
However, there are also some potential downsides to eating grits regularly. These may include:
- high calorie and carbohydrate content – one cup of cooked grits contains 177 calories and 37.4 grams of carbohydrates, which could contribute to weight gain if they’re eaten in excess high sodium content – one cup of cooked grits also contains 16 milligrams of sodium, which is more than 1% of the daily recommended limit for sodium intake. If you have high blood pressure, you may want to limit your sodium intake.
- increased risk of weight gain – a diet that is high in carbohydrates and calories can lead to weight gain, so eating too many grits may increase your risk of putting on unwanted pounds.
Grits are a high-glycaemic food, which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels – if you have diabetes, you may want to avoid eating grits or eat them in moderation because of their high glycaemic index.
Grits are a healthy food that can offer some surprising health benefits. If you’re looking to lower cholesterol levels, prevent constipation, or lose weight, eating grits may help. Just be sure to watch your portion size and limit your intake of sodium.
People with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should be careful when eating grits, as they may be contaminated with gluten. If you have a gluten intolerance, look for labels that say “gluten-free” to be sure the grits you’re eating are safe.
Conclusion
While grits do have some potential health benefits, they also have some drawbacks. It’s important to consider both the pros and cons before adding them to your diet. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you may want to avoid grits or eat them in moderation. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to get more information. For more information, click here.
