The most important meal of the day is, as they say, breakfast. So it’s best to start the day with a nutritious breakfast with many advantages. And oats do that! Avena sativa, the botanical name for oats, is a cereal grain member of the Poaceae grass family.
The oat grass’s edible seeds, which we put in our breakfast bowls, are what we refer to as the grain. Whether loved or despised for their mushy yet hearty texture when cooked, oats are prized for their nutritional value and health benefits.
Oatmeal is a popular food for people who want to lose weight and manage hunger because of its high water and soluble fiber. Numerous oat ingredients have been linked to positive health effects. The primary soluble fiber in oats is beta-glucan, shown in studies to improve digestion, raise satiety, and reduce appetite.
When cholesterol-rich bile acids are bound with beta-glucan in the intestine, they can be transported through the digestive system and outside the body. You will discover more about the numerous health advantages of oats in this blog, including how eating them can help you in the long run.
- They can protect LDL cholesterol from harm and lower cholesterol levels
The leading cause of death worldwide is heart disease. Increased blood cholesterol is a significant risk factor. Many studies have shown that the beta-glucan fiber in oats effectively reduces both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. The release of bile that is rich in cholesterol may be increased by beta-glucan, which lowers blood cholesterol levels.
Oats may also protect LDL (bad) cholesterol from oxidation. When LDL (bad) cholesterol interacts with free radicals, it oxidizes. Another critical stage in the development of heart disease is this one. It damages tissues, causes artery inflammation, and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Oats can help with blood sugar regulation
Markedly elevated blood sugar levels characterize a typical medical condition called type 2 diabetes. It typically happens as a result of decreased insulin sensitivity. Oats may lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes or who are overweight. Oats and barley both contain beta-glucan, which may enhance insulin sensitivity. The primary cause of these effects is beta-capacity glucans solidify into a thick gel, which postpones stomach emptying and glucose absorption into the blood.
- Oats that have been finely ground may benefit skin care
The fact that oats are present in so many skin care products is not a coincidence. The manufacturers of these goods frequently refer to colloidal oatmeal as finely ground oats. The FDA approved colloidal oatmeal to be used as a skin protector. However, oats have been used for a long time to treat itch and irritation in various skin conditions. For instance, oat-based skin care products may lessen the uncomfortable eczema symptoms. Be aware that oats used topically for skin care do not have the same health benefits as those used internally.
