When it comes to breakfast cereals any type of natural oats are an excellent choice. Most unflavored oats are made from minimally processed whole grains. Oatmeal and oat bran contain a specific type of fiber called beta-glucan. This is the substance that gives oatmeal its ability to help lower cholesterol. Several types of oats are available on store shelves but each offers high quality nutrients and beta-glucan.

Steel-cut, stone ground and rolled oats are the common oat varieties sold at the grocery store. However, their nutritional profiles are very similar. Some of the biggest differences in the types of oats comes down to how you prepare the food and the resulting texture of the grain. If you prefer a hardy chewy cereal you would likely enjoy steel-cut oats. Old-fashioned and rolled oats offer a smoother texture with shorter cooking and preparation time. Any way you cut it oats are a great addition to your next meal or recipe.