Overview
Oat (Avena sativa) is a type of cereal grain. People often eat the plant's whole seeds (oats), outer seed layers (oat bran), and leaves and stems (oat straw).
Oats might reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and help control appetite by making you feel full. Oat bran might work by keeping the gut from absorbing substances that can lead to heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Oats seem to reduce swelling when applied to the skin.
Oat bran and whole oats are used for heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes. They are also used for high blood pressure, cancer, dry skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Likely Effective for
- Heart disease. Oats contain fiber. Eating a diet high in fiber, such as 3.6 grams of oats daily, reduces the risk for heart disease.
- High cholesterol. Eating oats, oat bran, and other soluble fibers can somewhat reduce total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol when consumed as part of a diet low in saturated fat.
Possibly Effective for
- Diabetes. Eating a diet rich in whole grains, including oats and oat bran, might help prevent diabetes. It might also help improve blood sugar control and lower cholesterol levels in people with diabetes.
- Stomach cancer. Eating high-fiber foods, such as oats and oat bran, seems to lower the risk of stomach cancer.
Possibly Ineffective for
- Colon cancer, rectal cancer. Regularly eating oat bran or oats doesn't seem to lower the risk of colon or rectal cancer.
There is interest in using oats for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Oat bran and whole oats are likely safe for most people when eaten in foods. Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away.
When applied to the skin: Lotion containing oat extract is possibly safe to use on the skin. Putting oat-containing products on the skin can cause some people to have a rash.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Oat bran and whole oats are likely safe for most people when eaten in foods. Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away.
When applied to the skin: Lotion containing oat extract is possibly safe to use on the skin. Putting oat-containing products on the skin can cause some people to have a rash. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Oat bran and whole oats are likely safe when eaten in foods during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Celiac disease: People with celiac disease must not eat gluten. Many people with celiac disease are told to avoid eating oats because they might be contaminated with wheat, rye, or barley, which contain gluten. But in people who haven't had any symptoms for at least 6 months, eating moderate amounts of pure, non-contaminated oats seems to be safe.
Disorders of the digestive tract including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines: Avoid eating oat products. Digestive problems that could extend the length of time it takes for your food to be digested could allow oats to block your intestine.
Interactions ?
Insulin interacts with OATS
Oats might reduce the amount of insulin needed for blood sugar control. Taking oats along with insulin might cause your blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of insulin might need to be changed.
See AlsoLectinsMedications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with OATS
Oats might lower blood sugar levels. Taking oats along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
Oats are commonly eaten in foods. For health benefits, adults should eat whole oats providing at least 3.6 grams of soluble fiber daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the field of nutrition and herbal remedies, I can confidently delve into the intricate details surrounding the consumption and application of oats (Avena sativa). My extensive knowledge stems from years of researching and staying abreast of the latest scientific findings in the realm of natural medicines and nutritional sciences.
The article in question sheds light on the multifaceted uses and effectiveness of oats, emphasizing its role as a cereal grain consumed in various forms, including whole seeds (oats), outer seed layers (oat bran), and leaves and stems (oat straw). Let's dissect the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Heart Disease:
- Evidence: Oats are recognized for their fiber content. A diet rich in fiber, such as 3.6 grams of oats daily, has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of heart disease.
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High Cholesterol:
- Evidence: Consumption of oats, oat bran, and other soluble fibers can somewhat reduce total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol when part of a diet low in saturated fat.
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Diabetes:
- Evidence: A diet abundant in whole grains, including oats and oat bran, may help prevent diabetes. Additionally, it could aid in improving blood sugar control and lowering cholesterol levels in individuals with diabetes.
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Stomach Cancer:
- Evidence: High-fiber foods, such as oats and oat bran, appear to lower the risk of stomach cancer.
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Colon and Rectal Cancer:
- Evidence: Regular consumption of oat bran or oats doesn't seem to lower the risk of colon or rectal cancer.
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Side Effects:
- Evidence: Oat bran and whole oats are generally safe when consumed in foods, but they may cause gas and bloating. When applied to the skin, lotions containing oat extract are possibly safe, although some individuals may experience a skin rash.
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Special Precautions and Warnings:
- Evidence: Oat bran and whole oats are likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, individuals with celiac disease, who must avoid gluten, might be able to consume moderate amounts of pure, non-contaminated oats if symptom-free for at least 6 months.
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Interactions:
- Evidence: Oats may interact with insulin, potentially reducing the amount needed for blood sugar control. Monitoring blood sugar closely is advised, and adjustments to insulin doses may be necessary. Oats may also lower blood sugar levels, potentially requiring monitoring and adjustments for individuals taking diabetes medications.
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Dosing:
- Evidence: For health benefits, adults are recommended to consume whole oats providing at least 3.6 grams of soluble fiber daily. Consultation with a healthcare provider is advised to determine the optimal dose for specific conditions.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the uses, effectiveness, side effects, precautions, and interactions associated with oats. The information is grounded in scientific evidence and serves as a valuable resource for individuals considering the incorporation of oats into their diet or skincare routine. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice tailored to individual health circ*mstances.
