Oatmeal is extremely rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. It is also a very good source of protein and fiber, especially beta-glucan, the consumption of which can have important health benefits.
What minerals and vitamins are found in oatmeal?
- Manganese – important for normal development, growth and metabolism, usually found in large amounts in whole grain products
- Phosphorus – essential for bone and tissue health
- Magnesium – important for many processes in the body, often provided in the diet in too small amounts
- Zinc – involved in many chemical reactions occurring in the body
- Copper – an antioxidant that is also often lacking in the modern diet
- Iron – a component of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood
- Selenium – a powerful antioxidant
- Folate – involved in the process of cell division and blood production
- B vitamins – vitamin B1 (thiamine), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine) and B3 (niacin)
Oats also contain aventramides – powerful antioxidants found only in this cereal. These are natural plant substances that support the body’s defense mechanisms.
What is beta-glucan and how does it work?
Oatmeal contains a lot of fiber, and most of it is a compound called beta-glucan. It improves digestion, suppresses appetite, increasing the feeling of satiety, and causes an increase in the number of good bacteria in the digestive tract. Recently, there has also been a lot of talk about the effect of oatmeal on lowering cholesterol – this property is due precisely to the presence of beta-glucan. It slows down the absorption of fats from the food consumed. In the intestines, it binds with cholesterol-rich bile acids, which the liver produces to aid digestion. Beta-glucan carries these acids down the gastrointestinal tract and inhibits their reabsorption, thus leading to lower cholesterol levels in the body.
Oatmeal is also a good source of high-quality protein, mainly avenalin, which is not found in any other cereal. They do not contain gluten, so they are safe for most people with intolerance to this type of protein.
Oatmeal is a very good source of many minerals, vitamins and unique plant compounds. The beta-glucan contained in them provides numerous health benefits, as it can affect cholesterol levels in the body. In addition, oatmeal is very filling and helps in weight loss by increasing the feeling of satiety. It is worth adding them to your daily diet. Oatmeal tastes good with milk, as oatmeal or as one of the ingredients in muesli, and can also be used in baked goods, smoothies and desserts.