5 amazing health benefits of oats

Oats contain a wide range of nutrients like fibre, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, etc.

Kriti Saraswat | Updated: February 24, 2015 12:41 pm

ओट्स - ओट्समधून शरीराला फायबरचा पुरवठा होत असल्याने कोलेस्टेरॉलचे प्रमाण काबूत राहण्यास मदत होते. ओट्समधील बेटा ग्ल्युकेन घटक कोलेस्टेरॉल कमी करण्यास मदत करते.

Most people know that oats are extremely healthy for them. When consumed on a regular basis, oats can help prevent a range of ailments. They contain a wide range of nutrients like fibre, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, etc. which make them top the charts as far as healthy food is concerned. Here are some of the health benefits of eating oats regularly.

Prevents cardiovascular disease

Eating oatmeal can lower your cholesterol levels as it is made up of dietary fibres that helps lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) without lowering the good one (HDL). Eating a cup of oats every day with a high-fibre, low-fat diet can do wonders in preventing heart disease. According to a new research, the antioxidants present in oats reduce the ability of the blood cells to stick to the insides of the artery walls and thus reduce cholesterol.

Prevents constipation

Oats are a rich source of fibre – both soluble and insoluble ones. These help in regulating bowel movements and prevent constipation. They are also a good option for people who want to lose weight as the fibres make you feel full for longer and you end up eating less. Children who eat a bowl of oatmeal regularly are less likely to be obese and overweight.

Controls blood sugar levels

Diabetics should consume oats regularly as oat beta-glucan delays the fall in blood sugar levels before meals and slows the rise after a meal. This means, there aren’t major changes in its level and your diabetes is better controlled.

Reduces cancer risk

Oats contain a compound called lignin which helps reduce chances of hormone-related cancers like breast, prostate and ovarian cancer. Eating oats is therefore good for both men and women. According to a research, women who have a higher intake of fibre have lower levels of circulating oestrogen and are at a lesser risk of breast cancer.

Reduces hypertension

If you suffer from high blood pressure, a daily dose of oats will help you reduce it along with other complications that it can lead to. Hypertension is becoming common these days with even youngsters suffering from it due to stress and lifestyle changes. Eating oats can help combat this problem.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.

How to make oats tastier?

Now that you know its benefits, learn a few easy recipes and tips to make your oatmeal tastier as well as healthier.

A quick and easy way to make your morning bowl of oats tasty is to add chopped dry fruits or cut fruits to it. This will not only add to its taste but will also make it more nutritious. You could also sprinkle a bit of your favourite herbs on it to improve its taste as it might be a bit too bland for the Indian palette.

If getting your kids in the habit of eating oats is your concern, you can try making oats lollipops for them. They are extremely healthy as they are made of sesame seeds, jaggery and are tasty too – you certainly wouldn’t mind your kids eating these lollipops.

Find yourself craving a snack? Satisfy this craving with a healthy snack such as oats chaat. It is healthy yet tasty and a good way to beat your hunger pangs than reaching out for your jar of junk food.

Want to stay healthy without eating bland food? Here is your chance, try Kellog’s ready to eat oats. It’s healthy, tasty and oh-so-good for your heart. Read more about Kellog’s oats here.

Image source: Getty Images

Published: January 25, 2015 5:00 pm | Updated:February 24, 2015 12:41 pm

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