Aside from being incredibly nutritious, oats may also help improve the digestive system and lower blood sugar
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Oats are some of the healthiest and most versatile foods out there. Besides being the base for oatmeal, they can also be served in a variety of ways such as breakfast bars and smoothies. Here’s why you might want to consider eating more of this cereal grain regularly:
Oats significantly benefit the digestive system
Oats are some of the most nutrient-dense foods in your kitchen. For example, half a cup of dry oats (78 grams) is already composed of 51 grams of carbs, 13 grams of proteins, five grams of fat, and eight grams of fiber. That they are a great source of fiber (including fiber beta-glucan, which is strongly linked to improving cholesterol levels) and carbohydrates is enough reason to add more of it to your diet.
They keep you full for longer
The reason why oatmeal is often eaten during breakfast is that it’s filling and consists of vitamins that give you all the energy you need for the day. The purest form of oats are also gluten-free and because they’re whole grain, they can keep you full throughout the day. Beta-glucan, a type of sugar found in oats, affects the release of peptide hormones (produced in the gut in response to eating), which helps you consume less calories.
They keep your heart healthy
Eating oatmeal regularly is proven to lower cholesterol levels or hyperlipidemia—one major cause of heart disease. Studies have shown that beta-glucan may increase cholesterol-rich bile, which in turn prevents cholesterol from circulating in the blood. As such, oats help avoid inflammation in the arteries and may hinder the risk of heart attacks and strokes. If consumed in a low saturated fat meal, three grams of soluble fiber from oats may also prevent high cholesterol and heart disease.