It looks like they re pretty similar but one thing that sets them apart is how they compare on the glycemic index.
Instant steel cut oats glycemic index.
Like all other grains in whole or cracked form steel cut oats rank lower than rolled oats on the glycemic index gi which ranks carbohydrate foods on the basis of how rapidly they affect blood sugar glucose.
The glycemic index gi is a way to estimate how foods will raise the blood glucose.
Oatmeal glycemic index is low these carbs won t spike blood sugar levels.
I prefer steel cut oats because they digest more slowly than rolled ones.
Glycemic index matters which is why the high glycemic index score of instant oatmeal is not necessarily ideal.
Also grains that lack bran and germ are less healthy as they have minimal fiber.
Fiber is essential as it helps lower the risk of heart disease and controls blood sugar levels.
When choosing oats always pick whole grain rolled or steel cut oats and avoid packages of instant oats.
These choices contain a higher amount of soluble fiber which helps better regulate blood sugar and are minimally processed to slow digestion.
Processed foods like instant oatmeal have a higher glycemic index.
The less processed steel cut oats have a much lower glycemic load than higher.
If you re looking to help control your blood sugar add some oats to your diet.
Old fashioned steel cut oats president s choice blue menu.
Glycemic index owing to physical mechanical processing is the defining attribute separating instant and steel cut oatmeal.
Choose old fashioned or steel cut oats.
Steel cut oats however are whole grains that undergo minimal processing so they retain a higher nutritional value and contain more complex carbohydrates than their counterparts.
When all else is equal it generally makes sense to choose the food with a lower glycemic index.