Six Healthy Reasons To Enjoy Eating Oats

When it comes to breakfast, cereal is at the top of most people’s minds. Convenient, cheap and easy, a bowl of cereal can provide an energising start to the day.

Unfortunately, many cereals are packed with grains, wheat and excess amounts of sugar, meaning they are a bad choice when it comes to your overall health.

Oats are a much more nutritious choice than cereals as they are a powerful source of fiber and beta-glucan. Oats whether rolled or crushed, can be made into porridge or cookies. Oats have many amazing health benefits and here are just some of them…

1. Oats are Loaded with Important Vitamins and Minerals

Including various antioxidants that can have protective effects against heart disease. Some of these important vitamins include Vitamin B1, Magnesium, Chromium, Zinc and Protein. Manganese is important for development, growth and the overall metabolism. Phosphorus helps with bone health and tissue maintenance, while Copper is an antioxidant mineral vital for heart health. Meanwhile Iron and Selenium can help to support impaired immune and mental function.

2. Lowers Cholesterol Levels and Protects LDL Damage.

Oats can reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and ‘bad’ cholesterol along with its absorption into the bloodstream. It’s important to keep LDL levels low as high blood cholesterol can increase the risk of CVry artery disease. Having a very low level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is better as it decreases the risk of health problems.

3. High Fiber Content

Foods such as oats with a high fiber content are excellent for both heart and digestive health. Oats contain the powerful fiber beta-glucan and they are known to boost the immune system while potentially preventing cancer. As a soluble fiber it can help to boost heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and triglycerides. One study found that eating 3g of beta-glucan daily can reduce bad cholesterol levels between 5-7 per cent.

4. Better Blood Sugar Control.

By lowering blood sugar levels, oats can help to improve the symptoms in Type 2 diabetics or those who are overweight. It may also improve insulin sensitivity. The effect of Beta-Glucan means it can form a thick gel that delays the stomach from emptying and then absorbing the glucose into the blood. Therefore, eating oats is a good idea for anyone who wants to avoid the damaging effects of excess blood sugar levels.

5. May Promote Weight Loss.

Oats promote a feeling of fullness and satiety within the body. By delaying the time it takes for the stomach to empty the food, the beta-glucan in the oats increases the feeling of fullness. It also promotes the release of peptide, a hormone produced in the gut that’s responsible for eating. This hormone involved with satiety can lead you to eating less calories and a decreased risk of obesity.

6. May Help With Good Skin Health.

Oats actually have many good skin health benefits and are often used as “colloidal oatmeal” in skincare products due to their protective properties. Oat based skincare products have been shown to improve the uncomfortable symptoms of eczema and are excellent for treating dry or itchy skin.