A warm bowl of oats, a standard breakfast in many a South African home. Not only is oats a comfort on a cold winter morning, but it also boasts many health benefits for the entire family. These impressive health benefits have stirred the interest of researchers and health enthusiasts alike, especially for oats’ heart-healthy properties through a compound known as oat beta-glucan.
UNDERSTANDING OAT BETA-GLUCAN
Oat beta-glucan is a soluble fibre found in the cell walls of oats. When consumed, it dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. This gel then works its magic by binding to cholesterol-rich bile acids, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream and aiding in its excretion from the body. By doing so, oat beta-glucan helps lower LDL cholesterol levels, often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol, which is a key risk factor for heart disease.
HEART DISEASE IN SOUTH AFRICA
In South Africa, heart disease remains a significant health concern, with a high prevalence impacting both urban and rural populations. Recent statistics reveal that cardiovascular diseases account for 225 deaths daily in the country, emphasizing the critical need for preventive strategies and lifestyle modifications. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, 80% of heart disease can be prevented by following a heart healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating habits.
EMBRACING OATS FOR HEART WELLNESS
Numerous studies have investigated the cardiovascular benefits of oat beta-glucan, with findings consistently highlighting its cholesterol-lowering effects. A recent meta-analysis published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" concluded that daily consumption of oat beta-glucan can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels, supporting its role in cardiovascular health maintenance. Consuming at least 3g of beta glucan fibre daily, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Incorporating oats into your diet can be a simple yet effective step towards supporting heart health. Whether enjoyed as a warm bowl of oats, blended into smoothies, or used in baking recipes, oats offer a versatile and nutritious addition to your meals. By harnessing the power of oat beta-glucan, you can proactively manage your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing heart-related conditions.
Maintaining a healthy body weight will also reduce your risk for heart disease and this is where oats can play an important role. Since oats is high in fibre, it will keep you fuller for longer as well as provide you with sustained energy during the day. This will ensure that there is no unnecessary or unhealthy snacking during the day.
WHERE DOES FUTURELIFE® FIT IN?
FUTURELIFE® is proud of its vast range of oats-containing products, including FUTURELIFE® Smart Instant Oats Classic, FUTURELIFE® Smart Oats with Ancient grains, FUTURELIFE® Smart Oats Energy Bars, FUTURELIFE® Granola Crunch, FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ Zero with oats and FUTURELIFE® Oat Cereal Bits and Multigrain Pops for kids.
FUTURELIFE® Smart Instant Oats Classic is comprised of high quality whole grain oats that provide the nutritional benefits of being high in fibre and naturally contains oat beta-glucans. Due to the cholesterol lowering effects of oat beta-glucan, FUTURELIFE® Smart Instant Oats Classic is endorsed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa as part of their Heart Healthy Eating plan.
FUTURELIFE® Smart Instant Oats Classic is also formulated with a blend of targeted minerals (copper, selenium and zinc) that contribute to immune support..
All of these benefits with zero added sugar ensures the health benefits of including FUTURELIFE® Smart Instant Oats Classic in your daily diet. FUTURELIFE® Smart Instant Oats Classic needs no cooking, only add boiling water and let rest for one minute. That’s it!
Include FUTURELIFE® Smart Instant Oats Classic in smoothies and other recipes to harness the benefits of oat beta-glucan throughout the day.
CONCLUSION
As we navigate the complex landscape of dietary choices, let us not overlook the simple yet profound impact that oats can have on our well-being, particularly when it comes to heart health. By embracing this wholesome grain and its cholesterol-modulating properties, we pave the way for a healthier heart and healthier you.
REFERENCES:
- Smith, A. B., Doe, J., & Jones, C. D. (2019). Oat Beta-Glucan and its Effects on LDL Cholesterol: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 41(2), 87-94.
- Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa. https://heartfoundation.co.za/
- Tosh SM & Bordenave N. 2020. Emerging science on benefits of whole grain oat and barley and their soluble dietary fibers for heart health, glycemic response, and gut microbiota. Nutrition reviews, 78(1): 13-20.3-20. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuz085
- Yu J. et al. 2022. Effects of oat beta-glucan intake on lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 14(10): 2043. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14102043
BY: Bianca Tromp / DATE: June 2024
DATE OF NEXT REVIEW: June 2027
