Healthy Benefits Of Oats In Your Diet

This gluten free grain is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to providing the vitamins and minerals essential for good digestion, healthy blood flow and well-functioning organs. In fact, oats are so jam-packed with nutritional substances that not only are they among the most nutrient-dense grains, but they are among the most nutrient-dense food you can eat full stop. And oat benefits don’t just stop at improved internal bodily processes, but extend to healthier hair, skin and nails, too.  

Join us as we journey through the all the health benefits of oats, starting with their nutritional composition and ending with the specific benefits of oat flour. 

So, what is it exactly that makes oats so good for you? First off, they have the highest protein content of any grain, which makes them a great source of high-quality energy. Next up, they are high in a soluble dietary fibre called beta-glucan, which improves digestion, blood cholesterol levels and calorie control. Oats also contain remarkable amounts of the antioxidants avenanthramides and polyphenols, and are particularly rich in manganese, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc and the B vitamins thiamine, biotin, folate and pantothenic acid, all of which are crucial to maintaining the body’s resistance to disease. Finally, they have a high proportion of essential amino acids and natural vegetable fats, which promote the optimum functioning of vital organs. 

Oats are high-protein, low-sugar foods, and as such are excellent at providing slow-releasing energy. This makes them a favourite among athletes or indeed anyone who needs long-term power without the calories. They are also good for digestive health, regulating blood sugar and maintaining fluid circulation. 

Alongside dietary benefits, oats deliver beauty benefits too, and are especially good for hair, skin and nail health. The rich fibre content and vegetable fats contribute to stronger and thicker hair, while the vitamins make it silkier and shinier. The zinc counters acne-causing bacteria, while the anti-inflammatory properties of the antioxidants relieve itchy and dry skin. Biotin is especially beneficial to nails, aiding strong, healthy growth. 

Thanks to their generous levels of beta-glucan fibre, oats can support healthy weight loss. Beta-glucan slows the rate at which food passes through the stomach and at the same time promotes the release of the satiety hormone peptide YY. Together, these processes lead to protracted feelings of fullness, which in turn lead to lower appetites and reduced calorie intakes. 

Without a doubt, the biggest boons of adding oats to your diet are linked to their significant antioxidant and fibre content, and their impressive ability to lower cholesterol.  

Antioxidants 

The high antioxidant content of oats makes these gluten free grains especially good for blood flow and disease resistance. Avenanthramides are a powerful group of antioxidants that are almost exclusively found in oats. They help to reduce blood pressure by increasing the body’s production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and eases circulation – ensuring oxygen and other essential nutrients get to where they’re needed faster. 

Fibre 

Oats’ fibre content is perhaps their greatest asset. The fact they are a premium source of beta-glucan means that they contribute to balanced blood sugar and cholesterol levels and enhanced intestinal functioning. This is because beta-glucan improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar, reduces cholesterol and boost the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract. 

Lower cholesterol 

The abundance of antioxidants and fibre in oats, combined with their high amounts of essential amino acids and vegetable fats, make these grains rather effective at lowering bad cholesterol and protecting against heart disease. Their nurturing properties help prevent tissue damage and inflammation of blood vessels while at the same time promoting circulation and organ functioning, thereby bolstering heart health.

As oat flour is made from milled whole oats, it contains all the same nutritional benefits as the whole grains themselves. Oat flour is 12% higher in protein than other flours and has superior levels of cholesterol-reducing fibre, minerals and antioxidants. This makes it even easier reap the health benefits of oats in your diet. Add oat flour to your dough mixes to get extra nutritious gluten free loaves, muffins and cakes, or fold it into your homemade hamburgers for a flavour-filled power boost. Serve in Schär’s gluten free hamburger buns, of course.