Overnight Oats for Seniors
If you’ve heard about the overnight oats trend, you likely know how convenient it is for breakfast or a snack. But beyond the ease, numerous health benefits have made it a hit among many seniors.
There are variations to the recipe, including overnight oats with coconut milk. These alternatives are great for anyone who wants to avoid dairy. These are also easy to make but require a few tweaks to get it right.
This article covers some basic info on overnight oats with coconut milk and a step-by-step guide for making them.
Benefits of Overnight Oats
Besides tasting great, overnight oats have a lot of health benefits. One of the main reasons people love this overnight oats recipe is convenience.
In terms of health benefits, oats have tons of beta-glucan, a soluble fiber. This can help lower blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and aid in digestion.
It is also chock full of antioxidants. These can stave off tissue damage and arterial inflammation, which are linked to heart disease and stroke.
Coconut milk is a great, dairy-free alternative to regular milk. It, too, is full of antioxidants and electrolytes, as well as protein, iron, and other important minerals.
Coconut milk also contains lauric acid, which has antiseptic properties. This can aid in fighting off bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Coconut milk also aids in digestion and has some anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Make Overnight Oats With Coconut Milk?
First, the only overnight oats ingredients you will need are rolled oats and coconut milk. However, there are some other ingredients you may consider throwing in for added taste or health benefits. These include:
- coconut flakes
- vanilla extract
- Maple syrup or honey
- Chia seeds (a great source of fiber)
- Pinch of salt
When purchasing, be sure to check the fat content of the coconut milk. Full-fat coconut milk (or coconut cream) tastes great, but it is less healthy and will make the overnight oats’ consistency too thick.
In terms of oats, choose brands that have a reputation for using high-quality ingredients. They will taste better and retain more health benefits than lower-quality ones. You can also find gluten-free options.
To make a single serving of overnight oats with coconut milk, first add one-third cup of oats to an 8 or 12-ounce jar. Then, top with one-half cup of light coconut milk.
At this point, you can add in any extra ingredients, like honey, salt, or chia seeds. Gently stir to mix, close the lid, and place in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
Overnight oats are great chilled, right out of the refrigerator. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave. Also, if you do not eat them the next morning, they will keep for about three days.
Learn More About the Best Foods for Seniors
Now that you understand the key steps to making overnight oats with coconut milk, you can add this delicious, healthy recipe to your menu. It is a great way to improve gut health and digestion and start your day with antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals.
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