Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth.
They're a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
Whole oats are high in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. Most notable is a unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are almost solely found in oats.
Avenanthramides may help lower blood pressure levels by increasing the production of nitric oxide. This gas molecule helps dilate blood vessels and leads to better blood flow.
Oatmeal is loaded with antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are unique to oats. Antioxidants are important because they protect your cells from free radicals, which are molecules you produce through metabolism and exposure to environmental toxins. Free radicals increase your risk for cancer and heart disease because they are unstable.
Avenanthramides antioxidants inhibit inflammation and boost your production of nitric oxide, which prevents hardening of your arteries. In fact, a study published in 2010 in “Nutrition and Cancer” showed the avenanthramides in oats decreased the spread of colon cancer cells.
Oats contain large amounts of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber.
Beta-glucan partially dissolves in water and forms a thick, gel-like solution in the gut.
The health benefits of beta-glucan fiber include:
Oats are loaded with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidant plant compounds. Half a cup (78 grams) of dry oats contains (5):
Manganese: 191% of the RDI
Phosphorus: 41% of the RDI
Magnesium: 34% of the RDI
Copper: 24% of the RDI
Iron: 20% of the RDI
Zinc: 20% of the RDI
Folate: 11% of the RDI
Vitamin B1 (thiamin): 39% of the RDI
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 10% of the RDI
Smaller amounts of calcium, potassium, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and vitamin B3 (niacin)
Oatmeal is full of antioxidants, which are designed to keep your body healthy (3).
Antioxidants are essential to a healthy diet.
They protect the body from harmful molecules called free radicals (or oxidants).
These antioxidants contain many different vitamins and minerals (such as vitamins E and C and the mineral selenium).
Oxidants are created by your body to fight against harmful microbes and viruses.
However, if the body has an overflow of oxidants, they’ll begin to attack the cells.
Antioxidants will halt this process and protect cells against damage.
Helps Prevent Migraines
Studies show that those who suffer from chronic migraines often show lower levels of magnesium than those who do not. Therefore, a healthy balance of magnesium may help prevent migraines (22).
Magnesium is one of the Top 5 most plentiful minerals found in the body, and it’s essential for proper nerve function. One cup of cooked oatmeal contains 15% of the daily recommended intake of magnesium.
Can you lose weight by eating oatmeal everyday?
The meal plans are low-calorie and low-fat and include healthy food choices. Oatmeal itself can help you lose weight because it will help you feel full longer than other foods. ... This will increase the number of calories you burn each day, as well as keep your body fit and reduce the potential of muscle mass loss.
By Deborah Grow
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