Aside from being a food many people love for its versatility and ease of preparation, oats can also provide myriad healthy benefits for your body! The benefits of oats are numerous, especially if you try Oats My Goodness, which is rich in fibre, vitamins, high protein, and antioxidants. Oats can be a healthy and inspiring start to your day, allowing you to get creative with your meal planning.
But what makes oats so special, and what type is best for your health? Let’s explore this superfood further!
What are oats, and which are the healthiest types?
Oats come in many different types and are mostly healthy, as they are a plant-based food made from wheat, barley, and rye. The most popular types are rolled, cut, and instant oats. However, if you are looking for oats with a healthier content, you can consume steel-cut oats, which retain most of their fibre and nutrients. It’s important to note that while oats are naturally wheat, barley, and rye-free, they may still be processed in facilities that handle these allergens, so individuals with severe allergies should exercise caution.
Nutrition facts
Oats are famous for their rich source of essential nutrients. Just a 100-gram serving of oats contains approximately 389 calories, 16.9 grams of protein, 66.3 grams of carbohydrates, and 10.6 grams of dietary fibre. They are also a good source of vitamins, including B vitamins, and minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc in oats.
Oats are low in fat but high in quality carbohydrates, making them a satisfying and nourishing choice for any meal. By consuming oats with lots of nutrients, you will feel fuller for longer. Therefore, oats are often consumed by everyone, especially on a diet.
Carbs
Oats are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing steady, slow-releasing energy. Unlike simple carbs that can cause blood sugar spikes, the carbs in oats are digested slowly, offering sustained energy throughout the day while helping to lower blood sugar levels. This makes oats ideal for people looking to maintain stable energy levels, especially in the morning, ensuring you feel sustained and energised throughout the day.
Starch
The starch in oats is primarily beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This unique starch also gives oatmeal a smooth texture and contributes to its ability to provide long-lasting energy. Moreover, the presence of starch makes oats an excellent source of slow-digesting fuel for the body!
Fibre
Especially if you buy them from Oat My Goodness, oats are incredibly high in fibre, particularly soluble fibre called beta-glucan. This type of fibre is known for its ability to reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Oats also contain insoluble fibre, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. Combining these two fibre types makes oats a perfect choice for anyone looking to manage their weight or overall health.
Protein
Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining healthy skin. You can have a high-protein food with oats, one of the best plant-based protein sources. Oat My Goodness offers you 20 grams of protein in their oats, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans! With their high protein content, oats help satisfy you throughout the day.
Vitamins and minerals
One of the nutritional needs in our body that must be met is vitamins and minerals that function to increase endurance and prevent various kinds of diseases. Wheat is one example of a food that is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals. Oats are high in B vitamins, such as thiamine, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid, which are necessary for energy production and nervous system health. They also contain antioxidants that help protect against inflammation and support overall health.
Benefits of oats
Apart from providing many healthy nutrients to our body, what else are the benefits of consuming oats? Here are some benefits of oats, including their ability to lower blood pressure, that you might not have known before!
Whole oats are rich in antioxidants
Oats are packed with avenanthramides, a group of unique antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease, making oatmeal a heart-healthy choice. These antioxidants, unique to oats, protect against oxidative stress, a significant factor in developing chronic diseases, and it’s important to be aware of these specific health benefits.
Can lower cholesterol
One of the standout benefits of oats is their ability to lower cholesterol. The beta-glucan in oats has been shown to reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, which is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. A daily serving of oats can help decrease the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Oats can improve blood sugar control
The soluble fibre in oats slows down glucose absorption in the blood, helping prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. This is especially beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes or those looking to maintain stable energy throughout the day.
May boost fullness
Oats are incredibly filling, thanks to their high fibre content. It helps regulate appetite and reduces overall calorie intake, making oats a fantastic addition to any weight management plan. By promoting a feeling of fullness, oats can help curb snacking and prevent overeating.
Finely ground oats may help with skin care
Did you know that oats can also give you better and healthier skin, thanks to the antioxidants found in oats? Oats have been used for centuries in skincare products due to their soothing properties. When ground into a fine powder, oats can be applied topically to help relieve dry, irritated, and itchy skin. Oat-based creams or masks can ease eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
Oats may decrease the risk of childhood asthma
Introducing oats early in a child’s diet may help reduce the risk of developing asthma later in life. Oats’ antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties can help strengthen the immune system, potentially decreasing the risk of allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
Oats may help relieve constipation
Oats are an excellent natural remedy for constipation due to their high fibre content. Their soluble fibre helps soften stool and promote regular bowel movements. Including oats in your diet can help prevent and relieve constipation while supporting overall digestive health, as oats are naturally wheat, rye, and barley-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of oats with milk?
When combined with milk, oats offer an even more balanced meal. Milk adds a good source of protein and calcium, which complements the nutrients in oats, making it a nutritious cereal choice. The added protein helps build muscle, while the calcium supports strong bones. Together, they provide a satisfying and healthy meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
What happens if we eat oats daily?
Eating oats daily offers numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and better blood sugar control. The high fibre and protein content keeps you fuller for longer, reducing the urge to snack and helping with weight management.
Is oatmeal and oats the same thing?
Oats refer to the whole grain, which can be processed into various forms, such as rolled oats, steel-cut oats, or instant oats. Oatmeal is cooked from oats, typically prepared by boiling the oats in water or milk. While oats and oatmeal are related, oatmeal is your final dish, while oats are the raw ingredient.
Conclusion
Incorporating oats into your daily diet is an excellent way to boost your health and nutrition. Oats are a superfood that improves heart health, controls blood sugar, supports digestion, and even promotes skin health.
Oats My Goodness offers the perfect meal on the go. It is sustainable, wheat, rye, and barley-free, plant-based, and packed with 20g of protein and fibre to fuel your day. Free from preservatives, seed oils, and refined sugars, our oats are made with clean, simple ingredients you can trust. Ideal for mums, shift workers, health enthusiasts, kids, and tradies! Ready to nourish your body? Order now and enjoy the goodness!
