EAT YOUR OATS
Whole grains such as oats are often recommended for their beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The role that beneficial bacteria in the human digestive tract play in human health is an area of great interest, with potential health effects ranging from immune health to reducing risk for obesity and chronic disease.
CARDIOVASCULAR BENEFITS
A review of the most recent and compelling studies on oats and oat bran and cardiovascular disease risk factors concluded that oats and oat bran lower total cholesterol and LDL-C by respectively 2-19 percent and 4-23 percent; the effects are particularly prominent among people with high cholesterol levels.Oatmeal also contains a special type of antioxidant called avenanthramide. Avenanthramides fight off free radicals that attack high-density lipoproteins, or HDL (good cholesterol). They also protect LDL cholesterol from oxidizing from copper, which reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.The cholesterol-lowering effect of oat beta-glucan depends on its viscosity in the small intestine, and therefore its molecular weight. A high molecular weight means it can be released from the food matrix during digestion and form a viscous gel inside the small intestine.
PREVENTS WEIGHT GAIN:
Oats are a miracle for those who want to loose weight!. Beta-glucans helps prevent weight gain by providing satiety for a longer period of time thereby delaying hunger while the body makes use of fat reserves.
BLOOD GLUCOSE STABILIZATION
Oats are high in fiber which help in stabilizing blood sugar. This is especially relevant to diabetics who require blood glucose regulation.Aside from fiber, oatmeal is also a good source of magnesium, which regulates the body’s insulin and glucose levels. To up the ante, add milk to the oatmeal. The boost of low-fat dairy can also lower the risk for diabetes.
PREVENTS THE ARTERIES FROM HARDENING Avenanthramides not only protect against heart disease, they also prevent the arteries from hardening. Those antioxidants suppress the production of molecules that allow monocytes to adhere to the walls of the arteries. Research has shown that postmenopausal women who eat six servings of whole grains a week reduced their risk of developing atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque along the passageways of the arteries, and slowed the progression of stenosis, which causes the passageways of the arteries to narrow. When paired with vitamin C, the cardiovascular benefits of oatmeal are enhanced, so drink a glass of orange juice or eat some citrus with your oatmeal.
BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM
Oatmeals’ beta-glucan fiber protects against heart disease and also keeps the immune system active. It helps the immune cells seek out and repair areas or the body that may be fighting a bacterial infection.
OATS AND HANGOVERS
Oats can neutralise acidity levels and help absorb toxins. As hangovers are the result of the toxins found in alcohol, a bowl of porridge can genuinely help to relieve the symptoms. Oats also contain one of the highest levels of soluble fibre of any cereal, and soluble fibre is essential for healthy digestion. Alcohol reduces sugar levels and the slow-releasing carbohydrates in porridge help redress this. The soluble fibre and complex carbohydrates also found in porridge release energy slowly. So, eating a bowl for breakfast should see you comfortably through to lunch time, even with a hangover.
NATURES OWN VIAGRA
Porridge oats improve the libido in both men and women by balancing testosterone and oestrogen levels. Basically, low testosterone means low sex drive. If you have this problem then porridge could well be the answer, it’s got to be worth a try.
Oats make a great substitute to pap and can be enjoyed with milk as a filling and nutritious breakfast. To add even more value to the meal, carrots, strawberries and cabbage could be added to it to make your breakfast a complete one.
In all, remember that moderation is key.
A cup of oats (250mls) is about 300kcals; apart from added milk and sugar.
