FREE Courses

Get free courses from Dr. Taylor Wallace

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Nutrition
5 min read

Whole grain oats, a popular breakfast grain

Written by
June 2, 2022

Whole grain oats are classified as a whole grain and are particularly high in dietary fiber, healthy fats, protein, and an array of important micronutrients.

Clinical research indicates that consumption of at least 3 servings (16 g/serving) of whole grains per day may reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, notably cardiovascular disease and secondarily type-2 diabetes.

Whole grain refers to the natural form (e.g. whole grain bread and rice) and not refined forms (e.g. white bread and rice). Individuals who consume oats have shown an even higher reduced risk of cardiovascular disease as compared to individuals who consume other whole grains such as rice and wheat.

They also have a lower incidence of developing colorectal cancer. This is most likely due to their high dietary fiber content, but may also be partially due to the presence of other healthy fats and a special group of antioxidants known as avenanthramides, found in whole grain oats.

Oat consumption has been shown to decrease cardiovascular disease by reducing total cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), while increasing good cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol).

Aside from preventing the onset of cardiovascular disease, incorporating whole grain oats into the diet helps improve satiety (i.e. that hunger feeling) and helps promote GI regularity. Improvements in satiety often lead to weight loss and resultant better health outcomes.

It’s important to include a variety of whole grains into your daily diet. Next time you're meandering the aisles of the grocery store, consider adding a bowl of oatmeal or oat bran with fresh fruit to your breakfast each morning!

No items found.

Other related posts

Nutrition

Wild Rice - Unique Nutrient Profile and Health Benefits

Wild rice is a whole grain that has been growing in popularity due to unique nutty, earthy flavor, chewy texture and potential health promoting properties.
Nutrition

What's Wrong With The Paleo Diet?

The Paleo Diet, or Caveman diet, recommends a nutritional plan based on presumed eating patterns of our hunter-gatherer ancestors in Paleolithic period...
Nutrition

Potassium May Help Prevent Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease

There is a substantial body of evidence that suggests high potassium intakes can help decrease blood pressure in adults.