Most of you are well aware that oats are packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and helpful fiber.
TIL'd just how decades of research connect them with heart health.
HEART HEALTH: Oats contain beta-glucan, a fiber that traps cholesterol-rich acids and carries them outta the body. Studies suggest that 3 grams per day—the amount in ½ a cup of rolled oats—can directly lower LDL cholesterol levels by 12% in just 4 weeks while also lowering blood pressure.
BLOOD SUGAR: Beta-glucan slows digestion, delaying the speed at which glucose enters the bloodstream. So unlike other grains, they don’t spike blood sugar. One study found that 2 servings of oatmeal per week are linked to a 20% lower risk of type 2 diabetes!
GUT HEALTH: Because beta-glucan isn’t fully digested in the small intestine, it travels to the colon and feeds beneficial gut bacteria that reduce inflammation. For optimal digestion, aim for 21-38 grams of fiber daily.
When choosing your oats, consider...
Rolled and instant oats offer the most convenience; they cook fast.
Steel-cut oats take longer to cook, but are minimally processed and retain the most health benefits.
TIL'd just how decades of research connect them with heart health.
HEART HEALTH: Oats contain beta-glucan, a fiber that traps cholesterol-rich acids and carries them outta the body. Studies suggest that 3 grams per day—the amount in ½ a cup of rolled oats—can directly lower LDL cholesterol levels by 12% in just 4 weeks while also lowering blood pressure.
BLOOD SUGAR: Beta-glucan slows digestion, delaying the speed at which glucose enters the bloodstream. So unlike other grains, they don’t spike blood sugar. One study found that 2 servings of oatmeal per week are linked to a 20% lower risk of type 2 diabetes!
GUT HEALTH: Because beta-glucan isn’t fully digested in the small intestine, it travels to the colon and feeds beneficial gut bacteria that reduce inflammation. For optimal digestion, aim for 21-38 grams of fiber daily.
When choosing your oats, consider...
Rolled and instant oats offer the most convenience; they cook fast.
Steel-cut oats take longer to cook, but are minimally processed and retain the most health benefits.
