Oats – a natural superfood
The three parts of an oat
Oats are a wholegrain, meaning they include all three parts of the edible grain in the same proportions as in nature.
The outer layer of the oat is called the bran. It protects the seed and is rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, and contains B vitamins and minerals.
The middle layer of the oat is called the endosperm, which provides energy for the seed and contains protein and carbohydrates. This is the source of beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol reabsorption^.
The core of the oat is called the germ, which nourishes the seed and contains antioxidants, vitamins and healthy fats.
^A 40g serve of oats provides a minimum of 1 g beta-glucan. Oats can help lower cholesterol reabsorption as part of a diet low in saturated fat. 3g of beta-glucan each day is required to help lower cholesterol reabsorption.
Health benefits of oats
Oats contain fibre and B vitamins to help release energy from food*, antioxidant vitamins and phytonutrients, and protein for cell growth and repair*. They also contain carbohydrates and small amounts of polyunsaturated fat, iron, magnesium, copper and zinc.
As part of a balanced diet, oats can also help reduce your cholesterol^. The cholesterol re-absorption lowering quality of oats comes from a natural soluble fibre called beta-glucan, found mostly in the outer bran layer of the oat grain. Beta-glucan helps to lower your cholesterol by limiting absorption of some cholesterol in the gut.
*as part of a healthy varied diet
^as part of a diet low in saturated fat, 3g of beta-glucan each day is required to help lower cholesterol reabsorption.
