How healthy is our morning bowl?

As the mornings start to turn chilly, what better way to start the day than with a bowl of healthy porridge?

Over the past few years, porridge has seen a huge rise in popularity — a recent survey showed that 49 per cent of British people are now regular porridge eaters, and sales have more than doubled since 2008, thanks, mainly, to its reputation as a filling breakfast that can help to lower cholesterol.

Oats contain a soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which helps stop cholesterol being absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal walls.