Since the 1980s, scientists have believed that oatmeal should be added to the diets of people at risk for heart disease.

But newer studies show that there are at least 7 benefits to adding oatmeal to your diet:

1. You can lower your total cholesterol level.

Oatmeal is believed to be one of the best foods for improving cholesterol. And there are no potential side effects as with cholesterol lowering drugs.

2. You can reduce your LDL cholesterol during weight loss.

Even if you aren’t trying to lose weight, oatmeal may help to lower your LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) levels without harming your HDL (the “good” cholesterol) levels or your triglycerides.

3. You’ll lower your risk of weight gain.

I’m not sure how oatmeal does it, but it’s worth a try.

4. You’ll reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

As I pointed out in I Love to Cheat, oats have been shown to reduce blood pressure slightly.

But other foods seemed to work better to reduce my mother’s blood pressure to 132/68 from 168/88 in 7 weeks without medication.

Of course, this is just anecdotal evidence.

But oatmeal may be a worthwhile addition to your diet if you want to reduce your blood pressure. Of course, you should always see your doctor before changing your diet for medical reasons.

5. You’ll lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity. So oatmeal can deliver a one-two punch by potentially helping you with weight loss and diabetes.

6. You may experience good physical changes in your LDL cholesterol particles.

These changes will make your LDL particles less at risk for oxidation.

Oxidation is supposed to lead to hardening of the arteries.

7. You’ll get other unique compounds that reduce early hardening of the arteries.

It’s the same benefit as #6, but through a different mechanism.

The non-technical version: oatmeal is good for your heart.

So go out and buy some oatmeal. If you don’t like it plain, you can sprinkle brown sugar on top or add banana slices to sweeten it.

But no matter how you eat it, you now have 7 healthy reasons to add oatmeal to your diet.