Sixty-nine per cent of women identified porridge oats as the best breakfast for people trying to lose weight, while just 53 per cent of men made the connection. With so many starting 2007 with the resolution to lose weight, it seems that it’s the men that need to get the porridge habit! Made with semi skimmed milk, a bowl of White’s Only Oats is just 163 calories and contains no added salt, sugar, colours or preservatives, and will undoubtedly help stave off the urge to snack mid morning.

Reassuringly the majority seemed to have got the message from nutritionists, that skipping breakfast altogether is bad for anyone trying to lose weight.

Perhaps it is a sign of the times but it is the older generation that is more aware of the cholesterol busting property of oats. Seventy-nine per cent of over 55s knew that porridge can help reduce cholesterol compared to just 50 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds asked.

Oats are one of just a few foods recognised by the UK 2004 Joint Health Claims Initiative. The initiative acknowledged the importance of oats by approving the following claim: "The inclusion of oats as part of a diet low in saturated fat and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce blood cholesterol." Which is great news for porridge fans!

Porridge oats are also a great source of magnesium - important for healthy bones, nerve and muscle function and for the release of energy from food. Yet it is worrying to discover that awareness of the high levels of magnesium found in porridge oats was relatively low. Thirty-two per cent of people did not know that a serving of porridge oats can contribute at least 1/6 of their recommended daily amount.

Independent nutritionist Dr Carrie Ruxton said: “A bowl of porridge is a great start to the day. The slow energy releasing properties can make us feel fuller for longer which is ideal for those watching the waistline, especially after Christmas. But it’s important to remember that porridge is not only helpful in controlling calories but has other health benefits too, such as cholesterol lowering, which the Joint Health Claims Initiative has recognised.”

White’s delicious oats are grown in Northern Ireland’s uniquely mild temperate climate which has helped White’s to earn its reputation as Northern Ireland’s top porridge brand. White’s mill has a unique kilning system to ensure the natural flavour and goodness of the oats is retained throughout the manufacturing process.

White’s have a variety of delicious products which can help to get great tasting oats into everyday diets. Farmhouse Breakfast Week run by the Home-Grown Cereals Authority takes place from January 21st-27th which is another good reason to start enjoying porridge now!

White’s Only Oats is available in selected Waitrose stores throughout Great Britain.

For more information visit www.fanevalley.co.uk