SUPER FOOD OF THE MONTH: Oats
From breakfast to beauty products, oats are outrageously good for you!
What it is: Common oats (Avina sativa) are a species of cereal grain grown for their seeds. Whereas oats are primarily used for human or livestock consumption, oat extract has frequently been used in beauty products and treatments.
Where they’re from: Although it is difficult to pin down where exactly oats originated (there are a variety of species and subspecies), studies show that oats date back as far as 2000BC and were mostly found in the region of the Near East (or Middle East as we know it today).
Where they’re produced: Oats need a cool, moist climate to thrive in. They are generally produced in Europe and North America, with Russia, Canada, the United States, Finland and Poland leading the way.
What they taste and look like: Wild, unprocessed oats have a greyish-fawn colour while their processed counterparts are lighter in colour. There are several different varieties, so the size and shape of oats also differ, such as rolled oats that have been rolled into flat flakes and oat groats which are still whole and grainy (only the inedible hull has been removed). Oats taste differently according to variety and recipes used – from oatmeal which usually tastes soft and creamy to oat bran cookies which have a crunchy, chewy taste.
How to eat/use them: Oats are used in a variety of foods with the most popular being rolled (traditional) oats for oatmeal. It is also a popular choice in baking – from breads and muffins to cookies and oatcakes. Today, oat extract is also extensively used in beauty products as studies have shown them to provide external nourishment to hair and skin.
A good source of: A range of different vitamins and minerals including protein and fibre.
Benefits: Oats are rich in soluble and insoluble fibre, which lowers cholesterol and simultaneously manages blood sugar levels. Need to shed some kilos? Regular consumption of oats has been known to aid weight loss and digestion and, at the same time, lower the risk of heart disease. Also a good source of antioxidants, it can prevent conditions like cancer, diabetes and even possibly Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, oat extract used in beauty products moisturises, cleanse, exfoliates and acts as an anti-inflammatory – working its magic inside and out!
Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal
A delicious, easy recipe sure to kick-start your day.
Ingredients
⅓ cup rolled (traditional) oats
⅓ cup milk
⅓ cup water
1 tsp cinnamon
½ banana, sliced
Pinch of salt
Topping:
1 tbsp peanut butter
½ banana, sliced
1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
Method
Add all the ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil over a medium heat. Stir rapidly for about five minutes until it becomes smooth. Dish up, add the topping and serve immediately.
Image: Shutterstock.com
30 Responses
I am with NaturalDiva. I know oats is good for one, but I battle to swallow it.
I tried oats for breakfast and I could not.. I would rather use it on my face as a mask.
I eat oats for breakfast every day during winter, with honey and cinnamon…yum!
I love oats with goji berries, shredded coconut & cinnamon.. yummy.
Oatmeal and raisin cookies are yum!
Prunes are a good source too.
Nothing better than warm oats in winter…yum…
I love a good bowl of oats! Very filling and nutritious! I have also used it in a face mask before. There are clearly many different uses for it. Informative and interesting article!
Oats must be the best breakfast!!!
so great
a wonderful article