OATS: YOUR WEAPON TO A HEALTHIER YOU

Oats is a staple in many South African pantries and this humble grain has made it onto the list of superfoods due to its many health benefits.  Oats are power-packed with nutrients and offer a plenty of health benefits that can significantly enhance your well-being. Whether you're looking to improve your heart health, manage your weight, or simply boost your energy levels, oats might just be the answer you've been searching for!

WHAT MAKES OATS SO SPECIAL? 

Oats, scientifically known as Avena sativa, have been a dietary staple for centuries, and for good reason. They are a rich source of essential nutrients, including complex carbohydrates, fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. This nutritional profile makes oats a versatile and nutritious addition to any diet. 

One of the most well-known benefits of oats is their positive impact on heart health. Oats are high in soluble fibre, particularly beta-glucan, which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the bloodstream. By incorporating oats into your diet, you can help lower your risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular health.

If you're looking to shed a few extra pounds or maintain a healthy weight, oats can be a valuable ally. Thanks to their high fibre content, oats help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods, reducing the likelihood of overeating and unnecessary snacking. Additionally, the complex carbohydrates in oats provide a steady source of energy, keeping you fuelled throughout the day without the energy crashes associated with sugary snacks. 

A healthy digestive system is essential for overall well-being, and oats can play a significant role in supporting digestive health. The fibre in oats adds bulk to stools, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Moreover, the soluble fibre in oats acts as a prebiotic, nourishing the beneficial bacteria in your gut and promoting a healthy balance of gut microbiota.

For individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels, oats can be a valuable dietary component. The soluble fibre in oats slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, helping to prevent spikes in blood glucose levels after meals. This can aid in blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

In addition to fibre, oats are packed with essential nutrients that are vital for overall health. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins such as thiamine and folate. Incorporating oats into your diet can help ensure that you're meeting your daily nutrient requirements and supporting optimal health.

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 Oats with Ancient grains contains a combination of 5 grains including oats, Smart Maize™, rice, quinoa and sorghum.  Each grain is carefully prepared to retain its nutritional value and variety of fibres. These 5 grains contain insoluble dietary fibre for digestive wellness, while the oats provide the sought after oat beta-glucan fibre. Additionally, FUTURELIFE® Smart Oats with Ancient grains is high in 9 nutrients that contribute to the normal function of the immune system (Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Iron, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin D, and Vitamin C), 5 nutrients which assist in maintaining normal bones (Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Zinc, Manganese) and 8 nutrients which assist in reducing tiredness and fatigue (Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Iron).

All these benefits ensure that FUTURELIFE® Smart Oats with Ancient grains is the perfect breakfast option for the whole family.

HOW TO ENJOY OATS 

The versatility of oats makes them easy to incorporate into your diet in a variety of delicious ways. Whether you prefer them sweet or savoury, there's a recipe out there to suit your taste buds. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Start your day with a hearty bowl of FUTURELIFE® Smart Oats with Ancient Grains topped with fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of honey.
• Blend FUTURELIFE® Smart Instant Oats Classic or FUTURELIFE® Smart Oats with Ancient Grains into smoothies for added fibre and texture.
• Use FUTURELIFE® Smart Instant Oats Classic as a nutritious base for homemade granola or energy bars.
• Add FUTURELIFE® Smart Instant Oats Classic to baked goods such as muffins, cookies, and bread for a fibre boost.
• Swap out breadcrumbs for FUTURELIFE® Smart Instant Oats Classic in meatloaf, meatballs, and veggie burgers for a healthier twist.

For more recipes that include oats, visit the FUTURELIFE® website at www.futurelife.com

CONCLUSION 

Incorporating oats into your diet is a simple and delicious way to reap a wide range of health benefits. Whether you're aiming to improve your heart health, manage your weight, or simply nourish your body with essential nutrients, oats are a nutritious powerhouse that can support your overall well-being. So why wait? Start enjoying the many benefits of oats today and take a step towards a healthier, happier you!

 

REFERENCES:

1. 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
2. Cicero et al. 2020. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the medium-term effects of oat fibers on human health: The beta-glucan effects on lipid profile, glycemia and intestinal health (BELT) study. Nutrients, 12(3): 686. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030686
3. 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
4. Tang Y. et al. 2022. Bioactive components and health functions of oat. Food reviews international, 39(7):2023. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2022.2029477  
5. Shehzad A. et al. 2023. Impact of oats on appetite hormones and body weight management: a review. Current Nutrition Reports, 12:66-82. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-023-00454-3

BY: Bianca Tromp /   DATE: May 2024

DATE OF NEXT REVIEW: May 2027