Biologically known as Avena sativa, Oats is fast becoming the most popular breakfast throughout the world. The seeds of the plant are used to produce edible Oats. Any meal that is made from oats is called oatmeal. Oats can be ground or rolled to make this meal. Oats are very common in breakfast for all age groups and in diets. Though Oats originated in Europe and was used mainly as fodder for animals in early times, it is now commonly cultivated and used throughout the world.
Oats contain vitamins, minerals, iron and antioxidants. Oatmeal for breakfast provides the essential energy that is required by the body to start the day without any saturated fats.
It contains more calories and vitamin B than any other similar breakfast. Oats contain a large amount of carbohydrates and fiber. This promotes very slow digestion and can keep the hungry at the bay for a longer time. Hence it is used in diets and also in athletic nutrition. The protein content in a bowl of oatmeal is very nutritious. The protein content in oats has been compared to that of meat, milk and soya protein.
The ease of preparation of oatmeal is one of the main reasons for its popular use. Oats are commonly used for breakfast in the form of porridge. Although oats as such might have a bland taste, Oats combined with milk and fruits make a tasty and balanced meal. It is perfect for the current changing lifestyle, where there is no time to cook a healthy and balanced breakfast. The possibility of adding different fruits and flavors to a bowl of oatmeal makes it interesting for the children. It is also used to make biscuits, cakes, pudding, bread, etc.
An oatmeal other than providing nutrition also helps in reducing some health risks. A regular intake of oatmeal can lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Â Oats are also less known for their medicinal value. Oat grass can be used to treat osteoporosis, urinary infections and help maintain a proper menstrual cycle. Oats are known to help the nervous system.
Oat consumption has increased to a very high level, after it was made permissible under the law to have a claim on oat products that it can help reduce the probability of heart ailments. Studies have shown that it can help risk of diabetes since the fiber in oats helps control the sugar level. It also helps to fight some forms of cancer. Oats are commonly given to children and recovering elderly people.
Oat meals are sold in two forms in the market. There is a processed form and the unprocessed form of oats. The processed form tends to have a little lesser amount of the nutrition because of the processing, but it also has a much longer life and hence is preferred. The unprocessed form is where the grains are in the original form and are more effective at cholesterol control. Oats have been proven to contain more fiber than wheat, rice and corn.
Oat meals are primarily used because of their nutritional value contributed to the body. Some less known facts about oats are that it is also used in lotions for skins. It has a soothing effect on skin. Oats are also used as a cleanser for the skin when used as an ingredient in face masks and cleansers. It helps control hair loss also. Sometimes oats are used to make alcoholic drinks like beer.
Most of the oat consumers have daily oat breakfast without knowing its advantage towards the good health. An everyday consumption of a bowl of oatmeal can help improve the quality of life without any diet or control over food. The carbohydrates and proteins in the oatmeal nutrition help us by providing an energy boost and stamina that are required during the start of the day.