Oats are one of the world's healthiest grains. They are a gluten-free whole grain that are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Oats and oatmeal offer several health advantages and weight loss, decreased blood sugar levels, and a lower risk of heart disease are just a few of them.
Benefits of eating oats
Here are six health benefits of eating oats and oatmeal that have been scientifically proven.
Oats are extremely nutritious
Oats provide a well-balanced nutritional profile. They're high in carbohydrates and fiber, including the strong beta-glucan fiber. They also have a higher protein and fat content than other grains. Oats are high in vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that act as antioxidants. Oats are one of the nutrient-dense foods available.
Rich In Antioxidants
Whole oats are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which are beneficial plant components. The most noteworthy antioxidants are Avenanthramides, which are virtually exclusively present in oats. Avenanthramides may help lower blood pressure by boosting nitric oxide production. This gas molecule aids in the dilation of blood vessels, resulting in improved blood flow. Avenanthramides also have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties.
Oats contain a significant quantity of ferulic acid. This is another antioxidant.
Beta-Glucan, a powerful soluble fiber is found in Oats
Oats are high in beta-glucan, a kind of soluble fibre. In the stomach, beta-glucan partially dissolves in water and produces a thick, gel-like solution.
The following are some of the health advantages of beta-glucan fiber:
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LDL and total cholesterol levels are both reduced.
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Reduced blood sugar and insulin response, as well as a greater sense of satiety.
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Increased development of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Ability to lower cholesterol levels also protecting LDL cholesterol from damage
Globally, heart disease is the leading cause of mortality. High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor. The beta-glucan fiber in oats has been proven in several trials to be helpful in lowering total and LDL cholesterol levels.
Beta-glucan has been shown to enhance the excretion of cholesterol-rich bile, lowering blood cholesterol levels. Another critical stage in the evolution of heart disease is oxidation of LDL (the "bad") cholesterol, which arises when LDL interacts with free radicals. It destroys tissues, causes artery inflammation, and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Antioxidants in oats act with vitamin C to reduce LDL oxidation, according to one study.
Oats Improve Blood Sugar levels
Type 2 Diabetes is a common disease characterized by severely increased blood sugar levels. It is generally caused by a reduction in insulin sensitivity.
Oats have been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels, particularly in those who are overweight or have Type 2 diabetes. They could also help with insulin sensitivity.
These benefits are mostly attributed to beta-glucan's ability to create a thick gel, which slows stomach emptying and glucose absorption into the blood.
Finely ground oats may be beneficial to skin care
It's no surprise that oats are included in a variety of skin care products. The term "colloidal oatmeal" is frequently used by the manufacturers of these goods to describe finely ground oats. Colloidal oatmeal was approved by the FDA as a skin-protective substance in 2003.
However, oats have a long history of usage in the treatment of itch and irritation in a variety of skin conditions.
It should be noted that the skin care benefits only pertain to oats that are applied to the skin, not those that are eaten.
