Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Oats are a whole-grain powerhouse that is a popular breakfast choice for people for generations.
It’s one of the few comfort foods that can readily accommodate itself your nutritional needs, whether it’s a quick fix for hunger pangs, a light and hearty evening snack, or the much-needed energy to get you through your hectic morning.
Why Should You Eat Oats?
Oats are high in nutrients such as vitamin E, and vital fatty acids, and hence rank high on the list of healthy foods.
As a great source of whole grains, oats are high in protein, and fibre, and low in fat, making them ideal for boosting energy and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
They are not only beneficial for your gut, but they are also incredibly filling, pleasant, and versatile. The following are some of the prominent benefits of having oats.
Prevents cardiovascular disease
Oats’ claim to fame is its proven ability to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) without reducing good cholesterol (HDL).
Oats include antioxidants that are beneficial for heart disease, and dietary fibre assistance, including enterolactone, helps to prevent heart disease.
As a result, oats can help lower your cholesterol and keep your heart healthy. It is a crucial food that has been shown to be beneficial to the heart.
Prevents constipation
The benefit of oatmeal is that it is high in fibre, both soluble and insoluble, which contributes positively to bowel regularity and the prevention of constipation.
Including oats in your daily diet makes the stool softer and larger, and ultimately easier to pass.
Controls blood sugar levels
Oats are high in beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that helps to maintain a low glycemic index when ingested consistently.
Oats’ high fibre content boosts insulin sensitivity and lowers postprandial glucose levels.
Beta-glucan fibre may assist to minimise abrupt increases in blood sugar and insulin levels after eating.
Those who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes have shown a significant fall in blood sugar levels after eating oats on a daily basis.
Reduces cancer risk
Oats are high in lignans, the same compound which helps prevent cardiovascular disease and also helps to prevent cancer-related hormonal imbalances such as ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer.
Additionally, oatmeal contains avenanthramides, which are unique chemicals that fight inflammation and harness the frantic development of cancer cells without harming healthy cells. Therefore, eating oats is good for both men and women.
Reduces hypertension
According to experts, a regular dose of oats can help combat high blood pressure and, as a result, lessen your risk of hypertension.
The soluble fibre in this healthy cereal helps to clean out the arteries and veins and has been shown to be quite beneficial in people who already have high blood pressure. A high-oats diet also minimises reliance on hypertension drugs.
Supports weight loss
Oatmeal is a low-calorie desired asset to those who are trying to lose weight and control hunger levels.
It slows digestion and keeps you fuller for longer. The oatmeal ingredient beta-glucan boosts cholecystokinin, a hunger-fighting hormone.
As a result, people who eat oats on a regular basis have a more stable weight and are less prone to obesity.
Enhances immune response to diseases
Oats are packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich ingredients that prevent you from getting sick.
A sufficient quantity of zinc is required by many immune-system cells. Oats have a significant amount of zinc, with 1 cup of cooked, unenriched oatmeal providing 2.34 milligrammes or 29% of the daily required requirement.
Most importantly, they contain beta-glucans — a special component that has been demonstrated to help boost the infection-fighting blood cells in our bodies.
Protects skin
Oatmeal has long been used as a calming ingredient to aid the treatment of dry and itchy skin while also delivering other skin advantages.
Oatmeal has the ability to balance the pH of the skin. It also aids in moisturising and softening the skin. Oats aid in the absorption of excess oil on the skin and are an important component of acne therapy.
Oats are also an effective anti-tanning agent and can help brighten the skin tone.
Reduces stress
According to some research, they may have a range of calming effects.
This is because they reduce the number of stress hormones in the body while increasing serotonin, the hormone that causes feelings of well-being and happiness.
Final thoughts
Oatmeal is potentially a much better meal choice than the majority of foods available on the market. To gain the numerous benefits of oats, choose a bowl of oats over any other sort of breakfast.
No matter what time of the day you eat, if you make it a habit, it can help your health in numerous ways.
Moreover, you should also frequently opt for preventive health screening. It provides you with vital insights into your health, allowing you to take necessary measures to improve it.
