Oatmeal has various health benefits and in the long term some of these include weight loss, lowered blood sugar levels along with a reduced risk of heart disease. As Oatmeal contains various important vitamins and minerals, fiber and antioxidants, they make for an excellent alternative to wheat based products.
Known scientifically as Avena Sativa, oats are commonly eaten at breakfast in the form of oatmeal, but can also include cookies, granola bars, muffins and other types of baked goods. The nutrient composition of oats means they are a good source of the following vitamins: Manganese, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Folate, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid). In smaller amounts, Calcium, Potassium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamim B3 (Niacin) can also be found. All of this combined means that oats are one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat.
The Health Benefits of Eating Sprouted Oatmeal
Sprouting hugely increases the benefits of eating any seed or grain by increasing enzyme and nutrient availability. Oatmeal has various health benefits, especially when delivered as Sprouted Oatmeal. In the long term, some of these benefits include weight loss, lowered blood sugar levels along with a reduced risk of heart disease. As Sprouted Oatmeal delivers various important vitamins and minerals, fibre and antioxidants, it makes for an excellent alternative to wheat based products.
Lowered Blood Pressure
Rich in Antioxidants and Polyphenols (beneficial plant compounds), oats contain a unique group of antioxidants known as Avenaranthramides and these are almost exclusively found within oats. It has been found that avenaranthramides may help with lowering blood pressure and it does this by increasing nitric oxide production. The gas molecule also helps with blood vessel dilation and can lead to better blood flow. Sprouted oats can also provide anti-itching and anti-inflammatory effects, as additional health benefits.
Beta-Glucan is a type of soluble fiber that partially dissolves in water to form a thick gel-like solution within the gut. There are numerous health benefits to taking beta-glucan fiber and these include reduced cholesterol levels and LDL. It also increases the feeling of fullness, while increasing the growth of good gut bacteria.
Reduced Cholesterol Levels
Lowered levels of Cholesterol can protect against leading causes of death such as heart disease. Beta-Glucan found in Sprouted Oats, can increase the amount of excretion of cholesterol-rich bile and this reduces the circulating levels of cholesterol within the blood. The oxidation of LDL “bad” cholesterol happens when the LDL reacts with free radicals and this is crucial progression for heart disease. It can also help with producing inflammation within the arteries, damaging tissues while raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes. One study also found that when Vitamin C is included, the antioxidants and sprouted oats work together to prevent the LDL oxidation.
Better Blood Sugar Levels
Improved blood sugar control is one of the common symptoms of Diabetes Type 2 and can usually result in decreased sensitivity to the hormone insulin. Sprouted Oats can also help with lowering blood cholesterol levels in those who are overweight and this is believed to be because of the beta-glucan’s ability to form a thick gel that delays the stomach from being emptied, while stopping the absorption of glucose within the blood.
Feeling Less Hungry
As Sprouted Oatmeal can help you to feel fuller for longer and due to the Beta-Glucan, this promotes the release of peptide YY, a hormone that is produced in the gut in response to eating. This hormone controls satiety and can lead to reduced calorie intake and decreased risk of obesity. There are other benefits to eating Sprouted Oatmeal too and these include improving uncomfortable symptoms of eczema and even asthma prevention. Many researchers believe that an early introduction to solid foods can decrease the risk of asthma and other allergic diseases from developing. Sprouted Oats are the exception however as according to studies they have been shown to have numerous protective benefits.
Easier Bowel Movements
Sprouted Oats also have other health benefits and this includes help with relieving constipation and encouraging infrequent or irregular bowel movements to pass freely through the colon. Studies have indicated that sprouted oat bran can also help with providing relief from constipation, especially in older patients. In research, sprouted oat bran has also been shown to reduce constipation within elderly individuals, and this reduces the need to use laxatives in the long term. For all of the above reasons, eating sprouted oats is the healthy choice and the ideal weight loss friendly food…and this is why in the long term, anyone willing to eat sprouted oats will benefit from including them in their diet.
The Health Benefits of Eating Sprouted Oatmeal | www.naturallyhealthynews.com
HHELLO DO YOU HAVE TO COOK THE SPROUTED OATS OR CAN YOU EAT THEM LIKE A MEUSLI JUST SOAKING THEM IN MILK THANKS pAULA
They can be eaten raw (as in added to a smoothie or eaten as museli), ideally if they are soaked overnight.
Hi Paula, they work well cooked or soaked and used as a base for a muesli.