Oats are grains with numerous valuable nutrients. For human consumption as food, oats are processed, rolled, crushed and ground to produce flour, flakes, or oatmeal. Although oats can be consumed in their whole form as oat groats, they are hard to cook.
For health-conscious individuals, oats and its other food derivatives have become their primary source of cereal. Unlike wheat, barley, and rye, oats do not contain gluten, which is believed to be the cause of some disorders. Instead, oats are rich sources of fibers, vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. This cereal, which is a popular main ingredient of a delicious porridge, contains carbohydrates and has enormous protein and fats content. This makes oats as one of the most nutritious foods out there.
But the one that makes oats a superfood must be a soluble fiber called Beta-Glucan. Beta-Glucan can also be found in other cereals. But because of the negative impact caused by the presence of gluten in some cereal, oats are the preferred source of this powerful soluble fiber. The following are a few of the many health benefits of Beta-Glucan.
Decreases Total Cholesterol Levels
The blood cholesterol level of an individual can determine his chances of heart disease. By reducing LDL cholesterol or otherwise called ‘bad cholesterol,’ the risk of cholesterol build-up or blockage of blood vessels is decreased.
With heart disease as the leading cause of death the world over, you should consider a beta-Glucan-rich oatmeal from now on. What about oatmeal for breakfast?
Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
Hyperglycemia, the condition where there is an increased blood sugar, is characteristic of diabetes. In diabetic patients, the production of insulin is impaired, so glucose is not used by cells properly. Glucose is an essential source of energy for cells, organs, and the body as a whole.
Beta-Glucan helps in lowering blood sugar in obese and diabetic patients. It can also increase insulin sensitivity of cells which can help in the cellular absorption of glucose.
Enhances the Feeling of Fullness
Oats is a favorite food for overweight individuals who desire to lose weight. Beta-Glucan makes you feel full even after how many hours of consuming oat food derivatives such as oatmeal or porridge. Indeed, this method of losing weight is proven and has no harmful side effects.
There are many other health benefits of beta-Glucan and oat products as a whole. Consumption of oat products can promote the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract. It is also believed that it is helpful in the management of asthma in children.
With all the benefits we get from Beta-Glucan, eating oat porridge or oatmeal in the morning really makes the most sense, after all.…