A bowl of fresh oats can impart you enough strength to carry out activities the whole day long. Oats are available all throughout the year, though they are harvested in the autumn months. Oats are a great means to get an extra nutrition boost and to keep you going.
Scientifically known among the people as Avena Sativa, Oats is a type of cereal and is known to grow in the harsh soil conditions in which other crops cannot grow. Oats get their unique flavor from the roasting process at the time after harvesting. Oats are hulled but, the best part is that the process does not carry the bran and germ away and helps to retain the nutrients and fiber in the cereal.
Different type of processing is done to make different oat products. Oats are used to making breakfast cereals, baked products, and also food stuffings. Given below are examples of various kinds of Oats.
1. Oat groats
The oat kernels which are not flattened are the oat groats. These are good for making cereals as well as for stuffing.
2. Steel-cut oats
This type of oat has a chewy nature. It is dense and great in nutrients. This type has got its name from the method of slicing that is done. It is sliced using thin pieces utilizing the steel blades and so it is called steel-cut oats.
3. Old-fashioned oats
The old fashioned oats are flat shaped. The shape is caused due to the process of steaming followed by rolling.
4. Instant oatmeal
It refers to the thinly rolled oats that are cooked partially. Sugar, salt, and other ingredients are also added to give it flavor and get the final output.
5. Oat flour
Oat flour is used to create bread. It is used in baking and is used in combination with the other flours or even wheat.
Various Health benefits
1. It can lower the level of cholesterol
Oats can be a great start to your day. If you have any disease like diabetes, then oats can be a blessing. A bowl of oats can be very effective in treating various cardiovascular issues too. Oatmeals contain fiber too that are very effective in the treatment of cholesterol issues. If the cholesterol levels are high it can block the blood vessels and even result in a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, oats can be very helpful to reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks.
2. It can empower your immune system
The fiber present in oatmeal can also boost your immune system. It can help your body fight various infections and also strengthens your immune system.
3. Stabilizes the level of blood sugar
The people who suffer from Type 2 diabetics benefit greatly due to the consumption of oats. The blood sugar levels get controlled on the consumption of oats. Starting your day with oats can be the best thing and can be good to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
4. It can help to protect against breast cancer
Oats can help to protect against breast cancer. The fiber from fruits is also very beneficial but the fiber from oats is the best for prevention.
5. Oats also reduces the chances of childhood asthma
According to the recent census more than 20 million Americans suffer from asthma. It has been found that the consumption of oats along with fish can be a great way to decrease the chances of asthma in children by up to 50%.
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