Many people believe that starting the day with a bowl of “oats with milk and fruit” is the ultimate healthy breakfast. But family physician Dr. Li Sixian has revealed that what some call “oats” are often just cornflakes — which can send blood sugar soaring and act more like junk food than a health food.
Dr. Li shared on Facebook that he often spots the culprits behind his patients’ health issues right on their bedside tables or desks. One patient told him he always eats oats with milk and fruit for breakfast, yet his blood sugar was still high. “I wasn’t surprised at all,” Dr. Li said. “When I looked closer, it wasn’t oats at all, but cornflakes. Many people confuse the two — I ate them as a kid too, not realizing the impact on blood sugar.”
He explained that even real oats can cause sharp blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes or blood sugar problems, so portion control is crucial. The best option is whole, unprocessed oats, which contain fiber that slows blood sugar rises compared to white bread. Still, whether oats suit someone also depends on their gut health.
Dr. Li emphasized that even with genuine oats, he pays close attention to three factors: gluten content, blood sugar response, and pesticide residues. His key takeaway: “It’s okay to enjoy both healthy foods and junk foods, but the worst case is thinking you’re eating healthy when you’re actually not.”
