Oatmeal is dividing social media, as proponents and opponents are taking to TikTok to debate its health benefits.
Recently, a fiery debate erupted on TikTok over the nutritional value of oats and eggs. While one side claimed oats offer virtually no health benefits, the other refuted this, citing scientific evidence. As this conversation gains traction in Asia, where oats have become increasingly popular, it’s crucial to clarify some of the misconceptions.
The Egg Advocate
Dr. Jack Wolfson, a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author and founder of Natural Heart Doctor argues against consuming oats. According to him, oats contain anti-nutrients and offer little nutritional value compared to eggs. “You can’t raise a chicken on oatmeal. You can’t raise a healthy human on oatmeal. Make sure you’re eating eggs over oatmeal,” he said in a TikTok video.
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The Oatmeal Proponent
Countering Dr Wolfson’s claims is Dr Idz, a UK-trained medical doctor with a Master’s in Nutritional Research and board certification in Lifestyle Medicine. In a response video, he debunked that switching from oats to eggs significantly reduces inflammation and heart disease risk. According to Dr. Idz, existing studies show that oats can be beneficial, especially for individuals with type two diabetes and dyslipidemia.
The Research Says
Dr. Idz cited this study that many egg advocates use to support their argument. A study involving 29 people with type two diabetes found no significant difference in weight, fat, blood pressure, or lipid levels when participants switched from oatmeal to an egg breakfast for five weeks, and vice versa. One inflammatory marker, TNF alpha, was lower on the egg diet, but no baseline measurement for TNF alpha was taken. Hence, both breakfast choices could be anti-inflammatory, albeit to varying degrees.
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Additionally, a meta-analysis of 23 control studies suggests that oats can reduce CRP and interleukin-6 in those with dyslipidemia. Other meta-analyses have indicated that oats improve health markers in type 2 diabetes patients.
In a separate Tiktok video, Dr Jan Dipasupil, Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine Doctor from The Philippines, also highlighted the nutritional value of oatmeal but highlighted the difference in the Glycemic Index based on the type of oatmeal. The Glycemic Index affects satiety and weight loss. Rolled oats are the healthiest form of oatmeal, more than instant and quick-cook oats.
@drjandipasupil Oatmeal for Weight Loss? #doctorsoftiktok #weightloss #weightlossph #weightlosstips #oatmeal #oats #oatmealtiktok #oattok #oatmealrecipes #fyp #fy ♬ original sound – Dr. Jan Dipasupil
Conclusion: Balance is Key
While eggs contain a rich set of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins, oats too, have their own set of advantages, such as fibre and beneficial effects on blood lipid levels. The idea that one is vastly superior to the other seems unsupported by current medical evidence.
Takeaway for Asia
Given the rise in lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart conditions across Asia, it is vital to approach dietary choices with balanced information rather than clinging to oversimplified claims. Whether you opt for an egg or a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, what matters most is how it fits into your overall diet and lifestyle.
By debunking the myths surrounding these popular breakfast options, we can make better-informed decisions that align with our health goals, backed by science, not social media.
