Have you ever had oats for your breakfast for going to work early or a chance of missing the bus? And do you know that consuming oats is really nutritious for your body? If not, then just scroll down because this article provides brief information about oats and oatmeal. Studies show that these oats and oatmeal have many health benefits which include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and reduced risk of heart disease.
What are oats and oatmeal?
Oats are whole-grain food (Avena sativa), the healthiest grains on earth. These gluten-free whole grains are a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
The whole form of oats (oat groats) take a long time to cook, so people mostly prefer crushed or rolled ones,
The instant or quick oats take less time to cook as these are the most highly processed variety. It's texture may be mushy.
These oats are generally eaten for breakfast as oatmeal, which is made by boiling oats in water or milk (added with chopped almonds or other dryfruits). It is generally referred to as porridge. These oats can also be added in other baked foods, muffins, cookies, etc.
5 Powerful benefits of Oats:-
- Oats make an easy, balanced breakfast:-
Generally, one cup of cooked oats contain 150 calories, 4 gms of fiber ( both soluble & insoluble) , and 6 gms of protein. To make it more nutritious, you can also add some chopped dryfruits like almonds, dates, and some chopped fruits like apple, banana etc. This powerful combo of oats, fruits, and dryfruits boost your energy to the top level and help your day!
- Oats are gluten-free wholegrains:-
These oats are gluten-free whole grains packed of important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In addition to that, they are also high in fibre and protein compared to other grains. Oats also contain some unique substances like soluble fibre called beta-glucan, and antioxidants like avenanthramides, that has numerous benefits.
- Oats can lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar control:-
Studies show that the beta-glucan (soluble fiber) helps to lower both the bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and total cholesterol thus reducing the risk of heart diseases. It also protects the LDL from oxidation.
Oats may also help lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and the beta-glucan present helps to improve the insulin sensitivity.
- Oats helps to lose weight.:-
Oats can keep you feeling fuller longer, thereby controling your weight. Eating filling foods may help you eat a fewer calories and lose weight. By delaying the time, the stomach takes to empty food, the beta-glucan in oatmeal may increase the feeling of fullness.
This beta-glucan also promotes to release peptide hormone (produced in gut in response to eating) that leads to reduced calorie intake and decrease risk of obesity.
- Oats also help with skin care:-
Recently, in now a days, oats can be found in many skincare products, often listed as "colloidal oatmeal" ( finely ground oats). In fact, colloidal oatmeal acts as skin protective substance. It also helps in treatment of itch and irritation in various skin conditions.
For eg; oat-based skin products help in reducing the symptoms of eczema. And one more thing, skin care benefits pertain only to oats applied to the skin, not those that are eaten.
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