Oats Health Benefits

by Emily Holt

Health Benefits:

Oats are high in fiber. They are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. The soluble fiber in oats is beta-glucan which is effective in lowering blood cholesterol (one of the most common benefits of eating oats).

Oats are a great source of protein. Oat protein is almost the same in quality to soy protein (which has been shown by the WHO to be equal to meat, milk, and egg protein). The amount of protein of the hull-less oat kernel (oat groats) ranges from 12-24%, which is the highest among any of the cereal grains.

Oats are a valuable source of energy. They provide a slow release of energy over the morning because they are rich in complex carbohydrates–which reduces the desire to snack on quick-energy, sugar-based foods (translation: you can lose weight because you will eat less, stay full longer, and not snack on junk food!).

Oats are low in fat and contain no cholesterol.

Oats are a high source of vitamin B1.

Oats help to prevent heart disease and a variety of cancers.

Oats might help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels and control appetite by causing a feeling of fullness. Oat bran might work by blocking the absorption from the gut of substances that contribute to heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Oat bran and whole oats are used for high blood pressure; high cholesterol; diabetes; and digestion problems including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diarrhea, and constipation. They are also used for preventing heart disease, gallstones, colon cancer, and stomach cancer.

Use Oatmeal for Heartburn, even when Pregnant. Put a teaspoon of dry oatmeal in your mouth. Natural salivation will moisten it. Then swallow. Within a few seconds you can tell it is working. Additionally, this can be used and is effective even if you're pregnant. I have never seen this in any suggested uses for oatmeal. It seems to be a "well-guarded" secret.


Other Benefits:

Oats are a natural anti-depressant. In fact they are used to help treat depression.

Oats soothe the nerves and reduce stress. They are also used to help treat anxiety and nervous disorders.

Cooked oats help relieve fatigue.

Raw oats can be used to help relieve constipation.

Oats have a soothing effect on skin and are therefore used to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, measles, chicken pox, and are also used in many cosmetic products.