Do you have to eat oatmeal? Dr. Holly Thacker says…
Posted on January 07, 2012
No, you don't! It's true that eating oatmeal is associated with lower cholesterol levels and green tea is healthy because it is rich in catechin polyphenols. The active component, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), in both of these healthy options is a potent antioxidant that has the ability to block cellular damage from free radicals and thus EGCG has been associated with reductions in cancers and heart disease. But all this doesn't mean you have to force yourself to eat or drink foods or liquids you don't like!
I have patients in my practice, who sheepishly admit they force themselves to drink red wine "for heart benefits" but they really don't like it. I say, “Stop it then, eat some grapes instead!” For those that enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of oatmeal, then enjoy! However, there are many other foods like apple pectin, garlic and soy that are associated with cholesterol reduction.
For years, I tried to force myself to drink green tea, but it simply reminded me of smelly, old socks! As I sit here today, I am sipping green tea, but it is a delicious blueberry superfruit green tea that I enjoy. For every food that you know is healthy, but you don't like, you can find an excellent substitute. Fish is a big one. Fish, like fresh salmon and tuna are rich in heart healthy omega-3s. No reason to pinch your nose or force-feed yourself fish if you don't like fish or are allergic to fish! Munch on some walnuts or eat flaxseed cereal twice a week instead.
I hope it doesn't take you as long as it took me to find suitable alternatives to drinking something that reminded me of smelly socks! I have discovered wonderful green teas flavored with honey ginseng, and my favorite mango chili raw green rooibos tea with no caffeine and no calories - I can sip all day. Bottoms up!
Cheers!
-Dr. Holly L. Thacker
