Oat groats are coarsely ground to make oatmeal, or cut into small pieces to make steel-cut oats, or first steamed and then flattened to make rolled oats. Quick-cooking rolled oats (quick oats) are cut into small pieces before being steamed and rolled. Instant oatmeal is pre-cooked and dried, usually with sweetener and flavoring added.
A great way to start your day-add your favorite nuts and fruits to a piping hot bowl of oatmeal. Oatmeal cookies are a favorite for kids of all ages. Add oat flour or whole oats the next time you make bread or muffins. Sprinkle oat bran on your hot or cold cereal. Oat groats make a great basis for stuffing for poultry.
Oatmeal is an excellent source of calcium, especially if made with milk. Calcium helps to strengthen bones, teeth and hair and staves off osteoporosis. Oatmeal is filling. Those who eat oatmeal in the morning are less likely to fill up with sugary snacks before lunch.