Oats make a great breakfast, as they are a good source of whole grains, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and a special type of fiber called beta-glucan. Instant oats and quick oats may sound the same, but there are some key differences between the two.

Steel-cut oats are hearty, but since they aren't rolled or dried, their unprocessed nature can take roughly 40 minutes to cook while instant and quick oats can be prepared much faster. Although instant oats and quick oats may sound the same, there are some differences between them.

Quick oats are half the size of old-fashioned rolled oats and are cooked on the stove or in the microwave for 3-5 minutes. Instant oats are also small, but they are pre-cooked so they can be prepared in the microwave in less than two minutes or by adding hot water to a pre-packaged mix.

However, instant oats are a little trickier when it comes to health since many varieties on the market have added sugar. A lot of the more popular kinds of instant oatmeal may have up to four teaspoons of extra sugar for every serving.

In addition, since instant and quick oats are smaller, they are digested quickly and have a high glycemic index. Yet, by adding some additional fat and protein to slow the body's absorption, you can have an easy, nutritious breakfast in minutes.