Health
Eating oatmeal for two days has unexpected impact on heart health, study suggests
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Eating oats for just a short period of time could have a profound impact on cholesterol levels, according to a recent study.
Researchers from the University of Bonn in Germany conducted a trial in which adults consumed a calorie-reduced diet of almost exclusively oatmeal for two days.
All participants suffered from a metabolic syndrome associated with a risk of diabetes, including a combination of high body weight, high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose or elevated blood lipid levels, according to a university press release.
EVERYDAY SPICE MAY BE KEY TO FIGHTING FAT AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL, SCIENTISTS SAY
The 32 participants ate oatmeal, previously boiled in water, three times a day, for a total of 300 grams. They were only permitted to add fruits or vegetables to their meals and consumed around half of their normal caloric intake.
A control group was put on a calorie-reduced diet that did not include oats. Although both groups benefited, the cholesterol levels of those on the oat diet “improved significantly.” After six weeks, this effect “remained stable.”
A new study found that eating oats for two days reduced bad cholesterol. (iStock)
Study author Marie-Christine Simon, junior professor at the Institute of Nutritional and Food Science at the University of Bonn, shared in a statement that the level of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, among the oatmeal-eating group was reduced by 10%.
EATING FOR PLEASURE MAY BOOST HEALTH, SAY EXPERTS — HERE ARE 6 FOODS TO TRY
“That is a substantial reduction, although not entirely comparable to the effect of modern medications,” Simon said. “They also lost two kilos in weight on average, and their blood pressure fell slightly.”
The authors concluded that the diet influenced microorganisms in the gut, leading to the positive reaction. The results were published in the journal Nature Communications.
Oats significantly reduced cholesterol levels, although not as much as modern medicine. (iStock)
Simon concluded that a short-term oat-based diet at regular intervals “could be a well-tolerated way to keep the cholesterol level within the normal range and prevent diabetes.”
“As a next step, it can now be clarified whether an intensive oat-based diet repeated every six weeks actually has a permanently preventative effect,” she said.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco, who was not involved in the study, said the findings “make sense” because oats have been known to potentially lower LDL cholesterol.
Oats contain prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. When those bacteria ferment the fiber, they produce compounds that support digestive health, according to the expert.
“The more beneficial gut bacteria you have in your stomach, in your environment, the more that can reduce or inhibit the production of LDL bad cholesterol,” New York-based DeCicco told Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Oats are also a whole grain that is naturally low in saturated fat and rich in fiber and provides a good amount of plant-based protein.
“All those things are good for a heart-healthy, cholesterol-lowering diet,” DeCicco noted.
Oats are a whole grain that is naturally low in saturated fat and rich in fiber and provides a good amount of plant-based protein, all of which are good for heart health. (iStock)
DeCicco did warn that those who are diabetic or prediabetic should “be careful” when eating oats.
“While oats can lower cholesterol, they are an overly high-carbohydrate food,” she said. “A recommendation for anyone who’s watching their blood sugar, and especially who’s diabetic, is to eat foods that are lower in starch and higher in protein and fiber, [and to get] their carbohydrates more from vegetables and nuts.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Megan Wroe, registered dietitian at the Wellness Center at Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Orange County, California, agreed that oat consumption “does seem to lower cholesterol levels for all studied populations, with the greatest impact shown in those with elevated levels.”
“There are no significant risks, but some people may experience cramping or indigestion if they have not previously eaten much fiber and suddenly start eating oats every day,” Wroe, who also was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. “Also, those requiring a gluten-free diet will want to ensure that the oats they eat are certified gluten-free.”
The nutritionist also shared the concern that oatmeal is commonly made with water or milk and eaten with added sugar and fruit, which makes it a “potentially very high-glycemic meal.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Knowing this, my recommendation is to eat oats as often as you like, choosing steel-cut or rolled oats, using fruit for sweetness or a low-glycemic sweetener if needed, such as monk fruit,” she advised.
Wroe also suggests finding a way to add protein to balance out the carbohydrates.
“This can be done by adding chia or flax seeds to the oats, mixing in protein powder or topping with Greek yogurt to serve,” she said.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
America’s youth have been increasingly abusing common over-the-counter medications, according to poison center records.
A health advisory from America’s Poison Centers, representing 53 poison centers across the country, alerted a “concerning rise” in cases of diphenhydramine abuse among teens ages 13 to 19.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in allergy and sleep medications such as Benadryl and Zzzquil, as mentioned in the advisory.
PEOPLE TAKING COMMON SLEEP DRUG MAY NOT REALIZE THEY’RE TOO IMPAIRED TO DRIVE, STUDY FINDS
From 2024 to 2025, the total exposure to any substance among teens in this age group reportedly increased by 5.1%.
But cases involving diphenhydramine alone increased more rapidly, from 10,068 to 13,284 cases, a 32% spike.
Thirteen percent of diphenhydramine cases in 2026 have been linked to intentional abuse, an increase from 7.3% in 2020. (iStock)
The trend appears to be continuing into 2026, as the first five months saw 6,179 diphenhydramine-only cases in teens — more than double the prior year.
According to America’s Poison Centers, the exposure appears to be driven by recreational misuse rather than accidental over-medication. Thirteen percent of cases in 2026 were linked to intentional abuse, up from 7.3% in 2020.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Taking diphenhydramine improperly or in large amounts can affect the brain and heart, and can lead to serious or life-threatening effects, the advisory warned.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in over-the-counter allergy and sleep medications. (iStock)
Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness.
To avoid overexposure and complications, America’s Poison Centers advises the public to store all medications safely, up high, and out of reach of kids and teens. Label instructions should be followed carefully.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning,” the notice suggested. “Be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.”
Those who suspect misuse should contact the local Poison Control Center immediately.
America’s Poison Centers advises the public to “be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.” (iStock)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Benadryl manufacturer Kenvue commented that the “health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately,” a Kenvue spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“We are working with social media platform safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behavior from spreading,” they added. “We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over-the-counter medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately.”
Mary Leonard, SVP of communications and public affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, called the recent report “deeply concerning.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” she told Fox News Digital. “When used as directed, millions of Americans rely on OTC medicines containing diphenhydramine for relief from allergies, cold symptoms, motion sickness, minor skin irritations and occasional sleeplessness.”
“Because misuse of any medication can result in serious health consequences, the Drug Facts label clearly communicates dosing instructions, warnings and other important safety information.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” an industry spokesperson said. (iStock)
Kenvue shared the following three steps people can take to help prevent misuse.
- Report content related to this trend on the social media platform where it appears.
- Always store OTC medicines up and away in places children cannot access — preferably in locked cabinets or containers — and never leave medications on counters, bedside tables or in open bags, even temporarily.
- Carefully read and follow the instructions on the label and educate children on safe usage.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“Dosing instructions and additional safety information are available on Benadryl.com, and always remember to consult a healthcare professional should you have questions,” the spokesperson added.
Fox News Digital reached out to Zzzquil maker P&G for comment.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Top stories
→ Former wrestler, actor reveals breast cancer diagnosis: ‘One in 750 men’
→ TV news anchorman reveals he has Alzheimer’s during final night helming broadcast
Former professional wrestler and actor Tyler Mane announced he has been diagnosed with breast cancer. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
Conversation starters
→ Nightly glass of wine may not be as harmless as many people think, study suggests
→ Bride in full wedding gown makes 2-hour hospital trip to see mother before ceremony
Healthy habits
→ Weekly weightlifting sweet spot may be linked to longer life, study finds
→ Americans to get new sunscreen option already used abroad for decades
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
-
Fitness5 minutes agoAt 31, I’m the Strongest I’ve Ever Been—This Female-Focused Training Plan Is to Thank
-
Movie Reviews15 minutes ago‘Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu’ Tribeca 2026 Review: A Travelogue of Old Friends, Older Knees, and Same Absurd Timing
-
World27 minutes ago
In Taylor Swift’s beach town, every clue becomes a wedding rumor
-
Lifestyle1 hour ago‘Wait Wait’ for June 20, 2026: With Not My Job guest Caro Claire Burke
-
Technology1 hour agoSony’s Xperia 1 VIII is still a phone for the fans
-
World1 hour agoTrump-backed ‘El Tigre’ looks to crush cartels, end Colombia’s socialist era in pivotal election
-
Politics1 hour agoObama Center visitors say project symbolic of ‘Black excellence,’ claim scandal-free legacy while Trump ripped
-
Health2 hours agoPoison centers link growing Benadryl abuse among teens to dangerous social media trends
