Oats the Super Food + Health Benefits + Healthy Recipes

oats health benefits. healthy oats recipes. Oats are hardy cereal grains with a mild, nutty flavour that comes from the roasting process that they undergo after being harvested and cleaned. Although oats are then hulled, this process does not strip away their bran and germ, allowing them to retain fibre and nutrients. Rolled oats (Quaker Oats in India) do not go through any refining processes, so they are whole foods, losing none of their nutritional properties. Oatmeal is the porridge made by cooking oats in milk.

Oats Adai, Oats Spinach Pancake

On purchase of packaged oats, check the ingredients to ensure that the product does not contain any salt, sugar or other additives. Buy small quantities of oats at a time since oats go rancid quickly.

16 Super Health Benefits of Oats

1. Protein Rich :
Oats are a great source of protein for Vegetarians. Slightly over 10% of its energy comes from Protein. Try Oats Moong Dal Tikkis, as a protein rich snack option.

Oats Moong Dal Tikki

2. Healthy Fats :
Nearly 15% of the energy of Oats comes from Fats which are healthy fats good for you. Try Oats Khichdi is a one-dish meal. 

Oats Khichdi

3. Can be used in Desserts :
Oats are also a very good dessert ingredient because they are low in sugar, have a low Glycemic Index and are loaded with soluble fibre. You can give this Oats and Dates Kheer - a sugar free dessert definitely a try.

Oats and Dates Kheer, Healthy Indian Dessert Without Sugar

4. Good for Heart :
It is rich in soluble fibre, which helps lower blood LDL cholesterol, the so-called "Bad" cholesterol. Soluble fibre absorbs water and swells and to become gel like substance which helps in the absorption of nutrients like B Vitamins and minerals like Magnesium and Zinc which are key to a good heart. Oats are rich in Beta Glucan, a soluble fibre which dissolves in the digestive track forming a thick gel which binds excess cholesterol within the gut and prevent it from being absorbed in the body ⁽¹⁾ Include a variety of recipes like Strawberry Oats Pudding for a healthy heart.

Strawberry Oats Pudding

5. Reduces Blood Pressure :
Whole Oats have an antioxidant called Avenanthramide (a polyphenol from oats) which helps lower blood pressure levels through nitric oxide which widen the blood vessels resulting in better blood flow and lower blood pressure ⁽²⁾. Include oats in your cooking by way of Baked Oats Puri.  Store it in an air-tight container and take along to office, school or even on a journey.

Baked Oats Puri

Avenanthramide from oats has anti-inflammatory properties and may be antiatherogenic thereby lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases ⁽³⁾.

6. High in Soluble Fiber :
Barley and Oats are rich in Beta Glucan, a soluble fibre which dissolves in the digestive track forming a thick gel which binds excess cholesterol within the gut and prevent it from being absorbed in the body. The fiber in oats also help to control blood sugar levels. Eg: Mini Oats Bhakri Pizza

Mini Oats Bhakri Pizza

7. Boosts Energy :
Oats are good source of complex carbohydrates and they’re primary source of energy. Oats also contain good amounts of B-complex vitamins like Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folic acid and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus that are involved in energy metabolism. Begin your day with Oats Upma and stay energetic for hours.

Oats Upma

8. Weight Loss :
Oats are rich in Beta Glucan, a soluble fibre which dissolves in the small intestine forming a thick gel like substance. Oats and Spring Onion Appe is a healthy low cal delicacy which can be enjoyed in-between meals.

Oats and Spring Onion Appe, Diabetic Recipe

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This gel slows down the pace at which food moves through our digestive track and keeping you feeling full for a longer time. Even better, it allows more time for nutrient absorption. You will eat less and your body will get better nutrients.

9. Good for Diabetics :
Since Oats is high in fibre since Oatmeal takes time to digest resulting in the slow release of blood sugar. Oatmeal is Oats with milk or even a healthier option is Oats with Almond Milk and Apples. Oats contain Magnesium that helps in improving insulin response. Having very low Magnesium will result in the pancreas not secreting enough insulin to control your blood sugar levels ⁽⁴⁾. Some Diabetic Friendly recipes are Oats Idli and Oats Apple Phirni

Oatmeal Almond Milk with Apples, Healthy Vegan Breakfast

10. Healthy Thickener in Soups :
Oats can be used as a healthier substitute for cornflour, and can also act as a thickener in various dishes like soups.

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You can add this super ingredient in soups like Minty Vegetable and Oats Soup and Oats and Vegetable which also include plenty of vegetables making it appear colorful apart from being healthful and tasty at the same time.

Minty Vegetable and Oats Soup

11. Oats are Gluten Free :
Great for those who are intolerant to wheat. You can try making Oats Roti if you have gluten intolerance

Oats Roti

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12. Helps in Wound Healing :
Oats are rich in Manganese which plays key a role in blood clotting, thereby enhancing the healing process of wounds ⁽⁵⁾. Combine it with omega-3 rich flax seeds to make an Indian bread- Oats Flax Seeds Roti.

13. Healthy Bones :
Oats are rich in Manganese and assists the body in maintaining healthy bone structure by helping in making enzymes needed to build strong bones. Avoid the sugar laden sweets and opt for nourishing options like Oats Mixed Nuts Ladoo.

Oats and Mixed Nuts Ladoo ( Healthy Laddu)

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They are also rich in Phosphorus which helps build bones ⁽⁶⁾.

14. Immune Booster :
A study stated that beta-glucan which is present in foods like Oats, Barley and Buckwheat can improve body’s immune system by enhancing the body’s ability to fight against microorganisms ⁽⁷⁾. We have combined them to make Buckwheat and Oats Pancake. 

High Fibre Chillas, Buckwheat Oats Indian Pancake

15. Cancer protective :
A study revealed the risk of colon cancer is reduced for each 10 grams of fiber eaten per day ⁽⁸⁾. Try to include good amount of fibre in your diet with recipes like Oats Mutter Dosa and Oats Upma. Another study on Oats stated that Avenanthramides (a polyphenol from oats) inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells ⁽⁹⁾.

Oats Mutter Dosa ( Fibre Rich Recipe )

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16. Good source of Zinc :
A serving of oats provides 10.9% of Recommended Daily Allowance of Zinc. Zinc helps in the activity of an enzyme in our body that helps produce Vitamin A, which is useful in treating night blindness ⁽¹⁰⁾. Try Oats and Sprouts Mini Uttapa on days you feel like feasting on a hot South Indian healthy snack.

Oats Palak and Sprouts Mini Uttapa

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Nutritional Information of Oats

1 serving of uncooked quick Oats is 30 grams
30 grams of uncooked quick Oats will give approx. 1 cup of cooked oats
RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.
Nutritional Information for 1 serving of uncooked quick Oats

117 Calories
5.07 grams of Protein
19.89 grams of Carbs
2.07 grams of Fat

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1.47 mg of Manganese = 49% of RDA (about 3 mg)

0.29 mg of Vitamin B1, Thiamine = 22.30% of RDA (about 1.2 to 1.5 mg)

114.0 mg of Phosphorus (P) = 19.0% of RDA (about 600 mg)

53.1 mg of Magnesium (Mg) = 15.17% of RDA (about 350 mg)

3.18 grams of Fiber = 12.72% of RDA (about 25 to 30 grams)

1.2 mg of Zinc (Zn) = 10.90% of RDA (about 10 to 12 mg)

15.0 mcg of Folic Acid = 7.50% of RDA (about 200 mcg)

1.14 mg of Iron (Fe) = 5.47% of RDA (about 21 mg)

0.04 mg of Vitamin B2, Riboflavin = 3.63% of RDA (about 1.1 mg)

0.33 mg of Vitamin B3, Niacin = 2.75% of RDA (about 12 mg)

128.7 mg of Potassium (K) = 2.73% of RDA (about 4,700 mg)

15.0 mg of Calcium (Ca) = 2.50% of RDA (about 600 mg)

Oat Flour or Wheat Flout to use? To make your oat flour, simply use a very good blender and blend the oats. Your oat flour is ready to use in Rotis. Oats is superior to wheat flour as it has a lower glycemic index and contains more fibre. If you are gluten intolerant then avoid oat flour.

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Healthy Meals with Oats

Oats can be used a replacement of other ingredients in many recipes like roti’s, soups and snacks.

Prepare Oats Khichdi for Lunch or Dinner when suffering from upset stomach as it’s a good source of soluble fibre which will soothe your stomach.

Oats can be used as a thickener in soups, a healthy replacement for corn flour or maida. Use oats in Oats and Roasted Capsicum Soup and Minty Vegetable and Oats Soup. Try making our recipe for snacks like Oats Adai and Cauliflower and Oats Tikki are low calorie snack options loaded with the goodness of vegetables.

Oats and Roasted Capsicum Soup

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If you love chaat and cannot stay away from eating it then try our Oats Chaat and Oats and Moong Dal Dahi Vada recipe which are much better and healthier options than regular unhealthy ones. Munch on Baked Oats Puri when hungry at work or in between meals.

Oats and Moong Dal Dahi Vada

Explore our other healthy recipes using Oats on our website and app.

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Happy Cooking!!!