Oats may be described as a cereal food. They soothe the nerves. They are a species of cereal grain which are cultivated for their seeds. They are primarily consumed in oatmeal and rolled oats form. Besides, they are also used to feed livestock. Mainly, oats are derived from the weed of the primary cereal domesticates – barley and wheat. Earlier oats were considered as the secondary crop. However, considering several health benefits which they offer, their consumption increased to a great extent. Below lines give you more information on the nutritional values and benefits of oats.
Nutritional Values of Oats:
Below are the list of nutrients present in 150 grams of oats:
- Fatty acids – 1.899 gm
- Vitamin B12 – 0.0 mcg
- Folate – 87 mcg
- Vitamin B6 – 0.186 mg
- Niacin – 1.449 mg
- Riboflavin – 0.217 mg
- Thiamine – 1.190 mg
- Vitamin C- 0.0 mg
- Manganese – 7.689 mg
- Zinc – 6.19 mg
- Sodium – 3 mg
- Potassium – 669 mg
- Phosphorus – 816 mg
- Magnesium – 276 mg
- Iron – 7.36 mg
- Calcium – 84 mg
- Fiber – 16.5 gm
- Carbohydrates – 103.38 gm
- Ash – 2.68 gm
- Total lipid (fat) – 10.76 gm
- Protein – 26.35 gm
- Energy – 607 kcal
- Water – 12.82 gm
Benefits of Oats:
Following are some of the benefits of oats:
- Oats contain good sources of inositol. This is essential to maintain blood cholesterol levels. Precisely, regular consumption of oats help to monitor the cholesterol levels.
- Oats also contain high amounts of magnesium, calcium and potassium along with vitamin B-complex. These minerals and vitamins are required for the nervous system.
- Due to high fiber content, oats are useful to prevent bowel cancer.
- Cooked oats help to relive body fat, whilst unrefined oatmeal reduces stress.
- If consumed frequently, they help to lower the risk of heart diseases.
- Besides being a good source of protein, oats provide iron, copper, zinc and vitamin E to the body.
- Oats slow down the digestion process and makes you feel full for long duration. This is a best diet for people who want to reduce weight.
- Oats also act like an effective anti-depressant. Oats make you calm down and aid you to treat depression too.
- Oats contain phytochemicals. These protect the body from chronic disorders, like cancer.
- If consumed regularly, increase in blood sugar level may get spread over a long period, thereby aids to prevent several complications related with diabetes.