Benefits of Oats
Oats are a kind of cereal grain known for being able to tolerate poor conditions where other crops usually die. Part of the distinctive flavor of oats is obtained from the process of roasting that they usually undergo following harvesting. The consumption of oats offers many benefits as illustrated further below.
1. Boost immune response
The beta-glucan content of oats significantly enhances the immune system’s reaction towards infections in the body. Beta glucan helps neutrophils to navigate easily to the affected site more quickly and also improves their capability to eliminate any bacteria they locate there. This rapid reaction to bacterial infection results in quicker healing and microbial clearance. Because neutrophils are usually the first to respond to any invading pathogens, consuming oatmeal everyday boosts both your energy levels and immune response.
2. Antioxidant properties
Oats provide the body high amounts of selenium, which is an important cofactor of glutathione peroxidase. Furthermore, selenium also works with other antioxidants like vitamin E in the body. The potent selenium antioxidant properties make it useful in preventing heart disease and reducing asthma symptoms. This particular antioxidant is also involved in the repair of DNA cells and is linked to a lessened likelihood of cancer, particularly colon cancer.
3. Reduce cholesterol levels
People with diabetes or heart disease are advised to consume oats regularly due to their cholesterol reducing effects. This benefit is caused by the presence of a certain kind of fiber called beta-glucan in oats. Consuming only 3g of oat fiber every day usually reduces the total cholesterol levels by about 15%. High levels of cholesterol correlate with plaque buildup in walls of blood vessels. This can lead to blood clots and heart attacks.
Nevertheless, high intake of oats can cause gout and also kidney stones due to their purines content, which are usually converted to uric acid.