Is eating oats good for health?
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Your Question “Is eating oats good for health?”
Answered Packed with healthy nutrients, oats are considered one of the healthiest grains ever. Rich in soluble fibres, this gluten-free wonder consists of minerals, proteins, is low on fat and is filled with antioxidants. Including this in your daily diet can help you lose weight, manage cholesterol levels, reduce hypertension and keep your heart healthy! Let us find out more about oats to answer the question - Is eating oats good for health?
What are oats?
Oats are commonly consumed in the form of rolled oats or oatmeal. You will find it as an ingredient in breakfast cereals as well as baked items such as oatcakes, biscuits, granola bars and bread. You can have this nutritious food for breakfast as oatmeal that is prepared by boiling oats milk or water. Instant oats are very popular, especially in a porridge-like form. You can have this deliciously healthy item as an evening snack or when you need a power-packed start to your morning.
Top health benefits of oats
Well, the answer to your question “Is eating oats good for health?” is definitely, Yes. Oats are not only a fulfilling meal but are capable of taking care of your overall health as well. Here are some of the best reasons to include oats in your daily diet
- Packed with antioxidants
Oats are very rich in antioxidants, especially in polyphenols, which are natural compounds containing avenanthramides. Avenanthramides are found only in oats and are very beneficial for your health. This is because they help in lowering your blood pressure levels, by increasing nitric oxide production. This, in turn, dilates your blood vessels that leads to enhanced blood flow.Avenanthramides are also good for reducing inflammation and itching.
- Relieves constipation
Being a rich source of fibre - both insoluble and soluble – oats can help you reduce constipation. The fibres help in regulating your bowel movements. They keep the waste in your gastrointestinal tract moving, which relieves your stomach.Oats are very effective in keeping constipation at bay for older people.
- Keeps blood sugar levels in check
Oats are very effective in controlling your blood sugar levels. This is because of a soluble fibre called beta-glucan that enhances your insulin response. They also help in reducing your cholesterol levels and increasing the concentration of good bacteria in your gut. Furthermore, it enhances the feeling of fullness, so you feel satisfied after having oatmeal. People with Type-2 diabetes have managed to stabilize their blood sugar levels by including oats into their diet.
- Useful in weight loss
Eating oats can keep your tummy full and flat! This is because oats have helped people all across the world in losing weight or controlling it. The soluble fibre in oats makes you feel fuller very fast than eating other foods. As you feel fuller for a longer period, your sudden hunger pangs will reduce. This is due to the presence of beta-glucan that increases the secretion of Cholecystokinin, which reduces appetite. As oats help your squash hunger, it helps you prevent obesity.
- Good for your heart
The primary cause of cardiovascular diseases is high blood cholesterol levels. Beta-glucan in oats lowers the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) but does not affect the good cholesterol levels. Oxidation of LDL ultimately leads to cardiac diseases. Antioxidants along with vitamin C in oats reduce the chances of LDL oxidation. Another constituent of oats called enterolactone, protects you from heart diseases.
- Good for your skin health too
Yes, you read that correctly. Oats are used as a soothing agent for your skin, for removing irritation and itchiness on your skin. Having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it removes dead skin cells and prevents dry skin. Oats also contain a component called saponin that works as a natural cleanser. This helps in removing dirt and oil, which might have clogged your pores. Furthermore, oats can be super effective in soaking excess oil from your skin, thus reducing acne. Skin products containing oats also cure skin diseases such as eczema. You can apply skincare products consisting of oats or a face pack with oats for healthier skin.
- Decreases the risks of cancer
Oats contain lignin, a plant chemical that prevents cardiovascular diseases. This substance is also effective in preventing cancers such as prostate, breast and ovarian cancer. It helps you fight the risks of cancer due to its antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce the creation of free radicals in your body, which leads to cancer. A high fibre diet is linked to reducing the risks of colorectal cancer. Due to the high fibre content, oats are great for preventing such life-threatening diseases.
Conclusion
Consuming oats alone will not keep you fit and fine. You need regular exercise, have a balanced diet and proper sleep for being healthy too. If you are still curious about why eating oats is good for health, you can consult a doctor or a dietician online on MediBuddy.
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