Oats are one of the healthiest grains on the planet. There are many different ways Oats can be processed.
Oat Groats are the full form of Oats, which means they are the least processed making them take the longest time to cook.
Steel Cut Oats are the Oat Groats cut up into small pieces causing them to take about half the time to cook as Oat Groats.
Old Fashioned/Rolled Oats are Oat Groats that have been steamed and flattened making them take even less time to cook than Steel Cut Oats and Oat Groats.
Instant/Quick Cooking Oats are pre-cooked, dried and then rolled and pressed making them the fastest cooking form of Oatmeal.
Benefits of Oatmeal:
Oats are very rich in Vitamins and Minerals
According to Healthline.com 1/2 cup of dry oats contains:
Manganese: 191% of the RDI
Phosphorus: 41% of the RDI
Magnesium: 34% of the RDI
Copper: 24% of the RDI
Iron: 20% of the RDI
Zinc: 20% of the RDI
Folate: 11% of the RDI
Vitamin B1 (thiamin): 39% of the RDI
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 10% of the RDI
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Oats are very high in Antioxidants, Polyphenols and Avenanthramides
According to Oxford Academic, the Polyphenols found in oats have shown anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and anti-itching activity, which may provide additional protection against coronary heart disease, colon cancer, and skin irritation.
According to Healthline.com, Polyphenols can improve or help treat digestion issues, weight management difficulties, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and cardiovascular diseases.
A study conducted by Tufts University found that Advenanthramides, a Polyphenol found mainly in oats inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation which helps our bodies recover and heal. Advenanthramides from Oats also enhances nitric oxide production which relaxes the inner muscles of your blood vessels, causing them to widen. This increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
High In Soluble Fiber Beta-Glucan
According to verywellhealth.com studies have shown that beta-glucan found in Oats may significantly reduce levels of total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol, manage diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels and keeping blood pressure in check.
verywellhealth.com Suggests, beta-glucan may also strengthen the immune system and, in turn, fend off colds, flu, and even cancer. Additionally, beta-glucan is said to increase the body's defense against the harmful effects of stress.
Relieves Constipation and Improves Wellbeing
Pubmed.gov conducted a study where 30 elderly patients taking laxitives consumed 7-8 g of Oat bran every day for 12 weeks mixed into their regular diets. The study found that the use of Oat-fiber allowed discontinuation of laxatives by 59% while improving body-weight and wellbeing of the seniors.
Very Filling
Since Oats contain a great amount of beta-glucan they increase the feeling of fullness leading to fewer calories eaten making it much easier to lose weight.
Checkout my video below to see how I make one of my favorite oatmeal recipes!
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