Oatmeal is a healthy, fiber-rich breakfast, but the toppings you choose matter. Loading it with sugary add-ins like syrup, brown sugar, candied nuts, or dried fruit can make it less healthy and may raise your risk of chronic health issues.

1. Sugar

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Adding spoonfuls of sugar to your oatmeal can raise your risk of chronic health conditions over time. Refined sugars, including white and brown sugar, quickly raise your blood sugar (glucose), putting you at risk of:

Weight gain

Obesity

Type 2 diabetes

Heart disease

Instead of sugar, try sweetening your bowl of oatmeal with fresh berries or yogurt for a healthier option. If you are used to sweetened oatmeal, consider cutting the amount of sugar in half and weaning down.

2. Syrup

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Sweetene

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