5 Health Benefits Of Oats

Oats have wonderful health benefits and nutritional value. Oats, once considered an animal feed has become one of the most important cereal crop due to its high nutritional value, ease of preparation, high dietary fibre and also due to the presence of various phytochemicals. Here in India, oats was not common few years back but now it is consumed widely all over the country and we can find oats in almost all the departmental stores in India.

Oat is an important cereal crop and the most popularly cultivated species is Avena Sativa. Oat crop requires less essential nutrients and more water than other cereal crops and it grows well in cool and moist climates. Oat is mainly grown in America and European countries like Russia, USA, Canada, Poland and Finland.

Oat was mainly used for animal feeding and only a small part of it was consumed by humans. But now as more and more people are getting aware of its health benefits, oat consumption is increasing year by year and use of oat as animal feed is declining.

# Lowers Cholesterol

The soluble fibre present in oats, particularly β glucan reduces total and LDL cholesterol level by binding bile acids and inhibiting hepatic fatty acid synthesis. People suffering from high cholesterol levels will greatly benefit including oats in their diet regularly.

# Anti Oxidant & Anti Inflammatory Properties

Phenolic compounds present in oats particularly avenanthramides have many medicinal uses including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiatherosclerotic properties. Most phenolic compounds are found in the brand layer of grains so oats when consumed as a whole grain cereal will have all these medicinal properties.

# Good For Diabetic Patients

It is estimated that 6.6 % of world population have diabetes and unfortunately type 2 diabetes is very high in India and the numbers are fast rising which is mostly due to the increase in consumption of processed foods rich in sugar and trans fats. Regular exercise, avoiding processed foods and consuming foods rich in fibre like oats will greatly help prevent diabetes. People who already have diabetes will greatly benefit including whole grains like oats as it will help keep the blood sugar levels stable, you can read the study that supports this claim here.

# Aids Weight loss

Viscous fibers like beta glucan found in oats increases satiety and makes us feel fuller longer thus preventing additional intake of calories which can lead to weight loss. If you are planning to lose weight try to include whole grains like steel cut oats in your diet regularly, this will keep you fuller longer and will greatly help prevent hunger pangs.

# Good For People With Gluten Allergy

People who are suffering from celiac disease and who have gluten allergy can’t consume wheat based products like wheat flour, for them oat is a good alternative. Clinical studies have proven that majority of people suffering from celiac disease can tolerate moderate to large amount of oat consumption and even children also who are suffering from celiac disease can consume oats too.