Oats Are Good For Health

10 reasons to love oats

by Kavita Devgan

Who doesn’t know by now how important it is to eat breakfast. And get this right too – eating right breakfast is even more so. And what better way to gain the strength and energy to carry you through the hectic day ahead than starting off with a scrumptious bowl of freshly cooked oats. And to know what all it offers beyond just taste read on.

Nutrient dense: Oats are a great source of dietary fibre, iron, protein and B vitamins particularly vitamin B1 content, which is required by the body for carbohydrate metabolism. In fact on a per gram basis, oats contain a higher concentration of protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, thiamin, folacin and Vitamin E than any other unfortified whole grain, such as wheat, barley, corn or rice. 

Low fat: Oats are naturally low in fat and the lipids present in oats contain a good balance of essential fatty acids

Cuts cholesterol: Oats contain a specific type of fibre known as beta-glucan. Studies show that in individuals with high cholesterol (above 220 mg/dl), consuming just 3 grams of soluble oat fibre per day (an amount found in one bowl of oats) typically lowers total cholesterol by 8-23%. Oats act almost like nature's broom, literally whisking excess cholesterol out of the system.

More cardio benefits: Antioxidant compounds unique to oats, called avenanthramides, help prevent free radicals from damaging LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,

Lowers BP: Oats, can significantly aid in reducing blood pressure and/or prevent the onset of hypertension
Boosts immune response: Beta-glucan significantly enhances the human immune system's response to bacterial infection also and has beneficial effects in diabetes as well. Starting out your day with a blood sugar stabilizing food such as oats may make it easier to keep blood sugar levels under control the rest of the day,

Cancer fighter: The phytochemicals in oats may also have cancer-fighting properties

Digestive diva: Good for digestive health. If you suffer from constipation, try eating raw oats before looking for any drugs.

Diet aid: There is also evidence that because oats improve satiety — they keep you feeling full — they are helpful in a weight-loss plan.

Makes you happy: Eat oats if you're feeling sad. It’s a natural antidepressant - will make you feel calmer. A bowl of oat porridge with a spoonful of honey makes a super calming breakfast.