Oats Are a Source of Antioxidants, Vitamins, Minerals

Oats also contain a greater proportion of protein than any other grain. They also contain all the B Vitamins in a density found in no other food, Oats are also rich in Vitamin E and contain Fatty Acids and Vitamin K. Compared with other whole grains, oats also have the highest amounts of Calcium, Manganese, Copper, Zinc and Magnesium. And this healthy cereal grain has more healthy, soluble fiber than whole wheat, corn or rice.

Antioxidant is the nutritional buzz word and Oatmeal has its share. Oats are a source of a unique group of antioxidants known as avenanthramides which help to prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol oxidation can lead to plaque formation in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. The avenanthramides in Oatmeal help to prevent this unfortunate sequence of events. No wonder oats are so heart healthy.

Oatmeal is a source of Beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide found in mushrooms and whole grains . Beta-glucans have shown the ability to reduce the risk of infection after surgical procedures as well as fight off disease causing bacteria and viruses. This makes Oatmeal the perfect food to have on the table during flu season. Beta-glucans are also thought to have anti-cancer properties.

Oatmeal also prevents colon cancer. The high fiber content of oats is anti carcinogenic, effective especially for colon cancer. Whole oats result in bulky stool, which in turn dilutes carcinogens.