6 Reasons to Love Your Oats

Oats pack with an impressive nutritional profile. One cup of oats will provide you with 6g of protein and 4g of fiber.

1. Contain beta-glucans, a specific type of soluble fiber found in the cell walls of oats. This fiber slows down the digestion of carbohydrates and prevents spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. Spikes in insulin levels cause our bodies to store fat.
2. Oats are rich in magnesium: Magnesium is a co-factor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body ¹ such as, energy production, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation, detoxification reactions and the formation of bones and teeth.
3. Lowers cholesterol levels: A number of studies² suggest that Beta glucan is the main active component that helps bring down blood cholesterol and triglycerides levels. This study³ shows that eating a minimum of 3g of beta glucan (oats) daily reduces LDL cholesterol levels between 5%-10%.
4. . Contains lignans, a type of phytochemical that when converted  by friendly bacteria in our intestines into mammalian lignans⁴ plays a protective role against hormone-dependent cancers and heart disease.
5. Contains avenanthramides a unique antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease⁵.
6. Enhances immune system. Beta-glucan in oats assists white blood cells in locating the site of an infection faster⁶, and it  increases their ability to eliminate bacteria at the site.

References

1. Magnesium in Diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Feb. 2013. Web. 30 Jan. 2015.
2. Katz, David L., MD, MPH. A Scientific Review of the Health Benefits of Oats. New Haven, CT: Yale University School of Medicine, Sept. 2001. Http://roscomoss.com/pdf/healthbenefitsofoats.pdf.
3. “Cholesterol-lowering Effects of Oat β-glucan.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015.
4. Mammalian lignan production from various foods. Nutr Cancer. 1991 ;16(1):43-52.
5. “Potential Health Benefits of Avenanthramides of Oats.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015.
6. “Oats.” Oats. The George Mateljan Foundation, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015.