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It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition! Just send your question by email to [email protected] and Dr. Harlan will respond to selected questions of general interest. Answers will be posted in the Ask Dr. Gourmet newsletter (sign up now!) and archived in the Ask Dr. Gourmet section of the website.

Please note that the Ask Dr. Gourmet feature is restricted to questions regarding food and nutrition. Due to the many questions we receive, not all questions may be answered. For more specific questions about your individual health, please contact your doctor. About Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

 


 

Ask Dr. Gourmet

Which is better for you: cooked oatmeal or raw oatmeal, like in granola?

I have been making my own granola recently and enjoy it for breakfast with yogurt and fresh fruit. My question is: do I get the same health/nutritional benefits from eating the oats in the form of granola as I do from eating them as cooked oatmeal? I find your column informative and enjoyable! Thanks for considering the question.

Dr. Gourmet Says...

A bowl of oatmeal topped with raisins and brown sugar

It appears that there is not a great deal of difference in cooked vs. uncooked oats. Cooking foods does cause the loss of some vitamins and minerals. Consequently, if there is any difference at all, the raw oats that you use as part of your granola could have more vitamins.

It's a great idea to make your own granola. Many of the granolas that are on the market are often very high in fats.

Thanks for your interesting question and your nice comments about the Dr. Gourmet website.

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr. Gourmet