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Did you eat oatmeal for breakfast today? If so you enjoyed one of the healthiest grains on earth. People have been cultivating and eating oats since ancient times.
Oats grow in temperate climates like in the US, Canada, Northern Europe, and Australia, according to Everyday Health, and the crop is hearty enough to grow even in poor soil. Oats are considered a whole grain because the bran and germ remain intact after processing.
You can purchase oats that are steel-cut – which is heartier –, rolled – which consists of whole grains that have been toasted, steamed and rolled flat—, or as quick cooking or instant oats. You can also find oat flour, oat bran, and oat milk in your local supermarket.
Whether you eat oats for breakfast or use it for baking, oats are incredibly good for you. Here are five healthy reasons to add oats to your diet:
Packed full of Nutrition
Oats are packed full of nutrients. Full of vitamins and minerals, oats are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and contain antioxidant properties, according to Healthline. Oats contain almost 64 percent of the daily value of manganese as well as good amounts of phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, and vitamin B1 (thiamin). And oats are gluten-free but be sure to check the packaging.
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Rich in Antioxidants
Whole oats are rich in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. Antioxidants are important because they help to combat the oxidative stress that can lead to damage on the cellular level and could cause chronic illnesses like diabetes and some cancers. Oats contain a very unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides which increases nitric acid in your blood and that allows better blood flow and helps to lower blood pressure. The antioxidants in oats also have anti-inflammatory effects.
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Helps to Lower Cholesterol
One of the best-known health benefits of oats is that it helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart disease and strokes . According to the BBC Good Food, oats contain a soluble fiber called beta-glucan which helps to reduce blood cholesterol by binding to it in your digestive tract.
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Good for Diabetics
Oats can also help you to manage blood sugar levels. A review and analysis of studies published in the journal Nutrients, found that eating oats helps to lower levels of blood glucose after eating, especially for people with type 2 diabetes.
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Supports Gut Health
Since oats are rich in prebiotic fiber, they are really good for your gut, according to BBC Good Food. That’s because fiber helps to stimulate the growth of good gut bacteria and helps to inhibit bad bacteria from growing. Prebiotic fiber helps to maintain proper gut functioning, helps to prevent constipation, and also reduces bowel inflammation for people with IBS and ulcerative colitis.
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