Oats
When oats are harvested they are cleaned and then roasted which gives them their flavour. Their bran and their germ are not affected by this process which means that they are a wholegrain and have a high concentration of nutrients.
They are particularly high in manganese, which is a very important antioxidant in cell health and the prevention of anaemia. It also has selenium, tryptophan, phosphorus, Vitamin B-1, magnesium and some protein.
Oats contain a special fibre called beta-glucan – this particular fibre is very good for lowering cholesterol and can help prevent blood disorders that are linked to high cholesterol, particularly something like diabetes. Therefore this is great for preventing heart disease and strokes as the plaque in your bloodstream will not be blocking the arteries and restricting free flow of oxygenated blood. It is what is called a low glycemic food. This is good because instead to sending your blood sugars very high and then dropping them like a stone a little while later as many carbohydrates can do – oats are a slow releasing fuel that means that your sugar levels are taken to a moderate level. This provides you with energy and then maintains those levels over a longer period of time. Which is why porridge will give you more energy for longer.
Selenium is another great antioxidant – primarily in the repair of the DNA of cells especially in the colon – it also works with vitamin C in the lungs and if you are an asthma sufferer you may find that a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast will help your condition.
So, to summarise – oats provide you with fibre and antioxidants and are easily tolerable. They help put you into a good mood and feel better longer throughout the day. They have been shown to help prevent high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and cancers.
|
