This Healthy Oatmeal Recipe with Caramelized Bananas is Yummy and Gut-Friendly

Just half a cup of rolled oats contains roughly 190 percent reference daily intake (RDI) manganese, 40 percent RDI phosphorus, and 30 percent RDI magnesium, as well as impressive amounts of copper, iron, zinc, folate, and B vitamins.

They're also rich in soluble beta-glucan fiber, which has been clinically shown to reduce LDL and total cholesterol³ levels, reduce blood sugar⁴ and manage insulin responses, and increase the amount of good bacteria⁵ in the gut. And that doesn't mean improved digestion – it's also one of the secrets to improved mood and mental health. (Read more about the brain-gut connection to find out why taking care of your gut is the secret to better brain health!)

Be sure to seek out gluten-free oats if you have an intolerance. While oats are naturally gluten-free, many are processed in facilities that also process gluten-containing grains⁶.

In this recipe, the oatmeal serves as a bed for bananas caramelized in ghee, a lactose-free cooking fat rich in vitamins K, A, and E, short-chain fatty acids, medium-chain fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid, (CLA) a type of fat associated with anti-cancer benefits. Ghee has a rich nutty flavor and high smoke point, making it ideal for this recipe. 

If you can get your hands on ghee infused with vanilla, go for it! It will make the caramelized bananas smell and taste like cake (honestly!) and is truly a game-changing ingredient in the kitchen.

Use firm, yellow bananas (even slightly green ones) for this caramelized banana oatmeal recipe. Bananas that are too ripe tend to get mushy and fall apart once sautéed; save those bananas for delicious chocolate chip peanut butter banana bread instead.

This oatmeal recipe doesn't have any added sugar. If you want to add a touch more sweetness, top with fresh or frozen organic berries.