Oats are the healthiest whole grain with gluten-free and an excellent source of necessary vitamins, nutrients, and minerals.
Oat groats take a long time to cook. Therefore, many people try to buy crushed, rolled, or steel-cut oats.
Instant oats which are usually preferred by people are the most highly processed variety. Its texture can be mushy.
1. Oats Are Incredibly Nutritious
Half a cup of dry oats contains –
• Copper – 23% of the RDI
• Folate – 10% of the RDI
• Iron – 22% of the RDI
• Magnesium- 35% of the RDI
• Manganese – 193% of the RDI
• Phosphorus – 40% of the RDI
• Smaller amounts of calcium, potassium,
• Smaller amounts of vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B1 (thiamin) – 40% of the RDI
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) – 11% of the RDI
• Zinc – 21% of the RDI
• Calories- 303 calories
• Fat – 5 grams
• Fiber – 8 grams
• Protein – 13 grams
2. Relieve Constipation
Due to the presence of Laxatives in oats, it can help to relieve constipation.
3. Reduces the Risk of Childhood Asthma –
By feeding oats to infants before the age of 6 months can reduce the risk of asthma in childhood.
4. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Beta-glucan present in oats can reduce both total and LDL cholesterol levels High blood cholesterol is the risk factor of Heart disease and thus by including oats in your diet, you can reduce this risk.
5. Contain Beta-Glucan
Oats contain large amounts of beta-glucan, which is a Powerful Soluble Fiber.
Beta-glucan is a compound that contains a lot of health benefits and it is partially dissolved in water and it forms a thick like a solution when getting inside the stomach.
The health benefits of beta-glucan fiber include:
• Reduces cholesterol levels
• Reduced blood sugar and insulin sensitivity
• Increased feeling of fullness and reduces hunger cravings
• Promotes healthy gut bacteria
6. Improve Blood Sugar Control
Oats can help in lowering blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, therefore it is good for people who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes.
The thick gel of oats can help in delaying emptiness of the stomach and also the absorption of glucose into the blood.
7. May Help You Lose Weight
Colloidal oatmeal has been used to help treat dry and itchy skin plus it can also treat various skin conditions, like eczema.
8. Rich in Antioxidants
Whole oats are high in antioxidants as well as polyphenols. It also contains avenanthramides which are a unique group of antioxidants that can help lower blood pressure levels by increasing the blood flow and dilating blood vessels.