Oats is a type of food grain that is commonly consumed in the form of oatmeal or rolled oats as in breakfast cereals or baked goods (oatcakes, oat cookies and oat bread). Oats are very popular "health food" as it has many benefits, such as discussed below.

1. Reduces Coronary Artery diseases

According to research oats reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, as it is very rich in soluble fibers. These fibers can be derived from its various forms such as its bran, flour or simply oatmeal. Oatsmeal has unique antioxidants called avenanthramides that help to prevent free radicals from damaging LDL  (good) cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

2. Lowers Cholesterol

Oats is significant sources of dietary fiber both soluble and insoluble. Beta-glucans, a soluble fiber in oats is highly effective in lowering blood cholesterol, by absorbing cholesterol-rich bile acids which in turn reduces the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Oats are also one of the best sources of chemical compounds called tocotrienols, which inhibits cholesterol synthesis and thus further lower blood cholesterol.

Lower your cholesterol with a high fiber diet, click here to know more

3. Regulates Blood Sugar

Oat’s beta-glucan delays the rise in blood glucose levels after meals and also prevents its decline before meals, thus the blood sugars are spread over a longer time period and dramatic changes are avoided. Essentially the control of blood glucose and insulin levels is vital to prevent many of the complications associated with diabetes. The high fiber and complex carbohydrates in oats slow down the conversion to simple sugars and the high levels of magnesium regulates the body’s use of glucose judiciously and insulin secretion efficiently.

Maintain healthy blood sugar levels naturally, click here to know more

4. Anti Cancer

Oats contains many phytochemicals that reduces a person's risk of getting cancer. The phytoestrogen compound, called lignans, in oats, mostly achieves this as it decreases the risk of hormone-related diseases such as breast cancer. Oats is also known to lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

Pomegranate juice destroys cancer cells, click here to know more

5. Regulates Blood Pressure

Oats is rich in soluble fiber, which reduces hypertension, or high blood pressure. Unfortunately, it has no symptoms, but can cause serious problems with the heart and blood vessels, leading to other complications.

Control the blood pressure for healthy heart, click here to know more

6. Supports Bowel Function

Oats have high fiber content and fiber is necessary in keeping bowel movements regular. It is the insoluble fiber in oats, which are helpful to maintain healthy bowel function. Since these are spongy and absorb many times its own weight, they make stools heavier and speeds their passage through the gut, promoting healthy bowel and avoiding problems like constipation. 

Prevent bowel related issues, click here to know more

7. Helps Weight Control

As the soluble fiber of oats is digested, it forms a gel absorbing more food substance than its weight. This gel delays stomach emptying and gives the feeling of being full for a longer time, which aids in weight loss.  Also research proves that constant intake of oatmeal lowers their risk of obesity putting on weight.

Craving for some munchies, oatmeal cookies are an healthy option which take care of your weight too, click here to know more

8. Boosts Athletic Performance

Oats are valued primarily as a source of carbohydrates, which provide energy. Studies show that they alter metabolism and enhance sustained performance when consumed some time before exercise of moderate intensity.

Athletes need sustained energy to perform better, click here to know more

9. General Health and Longevity

Oats have a higher concentration of well-balanced protein than other grain. Also they are a good source of essential vitamins such as thiamin, folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid and vitamin E and minerals such as zinc, selenium, copper, iron and manganese. They contain a good balance of essential fatty acids. All of these have been linked with longevity and general good health.

Oatmeal promotes good health for skin too. Many cleansers these days have the nourishing property of oatmeal which relieve skin irritations, reduce inflammation and heal rashes. Click here to discover more

Oats is one of the most easily found grain as well prepared in its natural or near natural state. Well do not delay and start eating more oats today to reap its multi benefits.