Oats, a gluten-free superfood, are a staple in household pantries and are gaining mass popularity across the globe due to the exponential rise of oat milk. Plus, our mothers love to add it to our breakfast meals. But what makes it so likeable? Oats are a soluble fibre that can help lower cholesterol reabsorption in the body. They're also low in sodium and are a good source of protein and essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants.
Before we delve deeper into its health benefits, let’s first understand where it comes from, its various types and the popular ways it is consumed. Oats are whole-grain food initially harvested as oat kernels from the oat plant. These then have their hulls removed to form oat groats, further exposed to heat and moisture to make them shelf-stable and suitable for human consumption.
One can find oats in various forms in the market, such as flours, confectioneries, vegan milk, etc. This whole grain is exceptionally diverse and can be used to create a host of mouth-watering recipes such as dosas, cookies and kheer, among others. Plus, smoothies and beverages made from oat milk are the rages. So, scoop some blueberries from the fridge, add oat milk and a bit of banana to it, blend the mixture, and go with an excellent and delicious beverage to tackle the summer heat.
- Oat beverages are lactose-free: Oat milk is a great beverage option for those who cannot consume regular milk due to lactose intolerance. And in addition to being lactose-free, oat-based beverages are also healthier than milk in terms of calories, fat content and protein. Furthermore, oat milk stands out among alternative dairy vertices with its natural sweetness and superior taste.
- Oats are rich in antioxidants, including avenanthramides: While oats contain various antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds, the most interesting is avenanthramides, a unique group of antioxidants only present in oats. This gas molecule dilates the blood vessels and leads to better blood flow. Additionally, avenanthramides also provide anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects.
- Oats contain beta-glucan, a robust soluble fibre: Beta-glucan is a soluble fibre that partially dissolves in water and forms a thick, gel-like solution in your gut. This helps reduce LDL, total cholesterol, blood sugar and insulin response. Beta-glucan also increases the release of cholesterol-rich bile, reducing the circulating cholesterol levels in your blood.
- Oats keep you satiated for long: Even a small helping of oatmeal can give a feeling of fullness in the stomach and prevent you from consuming extra calories. This is highly beneficial if one tries to reduce or control body weight.
(Inputs by - Rithwik Ramesh, the Co-founder of Alt Co.)