Oats, due to their ability to satiate us immediately and for a long time, are an ideal solution for breakfast and a light meal, but do you know how many more benefits it provides to the body?
This precious cereal is at the base of the Mediterranean diet and not by chance. The unique value of oats is hidden in the nutrients it contains, such as fiber (lignin and β-glucans), carbohydrates, proteins, antioxidants, B vitamins and trace elements.
One of the biggest "gifts" of oats in the body, is its contribution to lowering cholesterol and high blood sugar, due to the β-glucans it contains.
In particular, oats help lower cholesterol levels, helping to reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol in the blood, of course in the context of a balanced diet. And in terms of lowering blood sugar, this property is due to the fact that it causes a low glycemic response, means it does not dangerously raise blood sugar levels after consuming it, contributing to glycemic control.
Another benefit we get from eating oats is the ability to control and maintain our weight. As oats are rich in fiber and protein, it enhances the feeling of satiety, helping to achieve and maintain the desired weight, while eating oats, as part of a balanced weight loss diet, also helps to reduce points in the periphery. Also note that oats are low in sugar and saturated fat and contain almost no salt.
Proteins are useful for the body, which needs them to perform many functions. They help grow and repair damaged cells, aid digestion and help produce antibodies to fight infections. Oats, which is the cereal with the highest concentration of protein, compared to other cereals, significantly enhances the above functions.
Tasty suggestions
Apart from the classic way to taste oats, with cold or hot milk, there are many suggestions that will make it even more delicious.
• With yogurt. As you add cereal to yogurt, you can add oats. In fact, if you put a little honey, dried or fresh fruit and nuts on the plate, you will have a complete, tasty and filling meal. You can of course add the same to the milk with the oats.
• Rice pudding without rice. A rice pudding, which is not exactly rice pudding as it does not contain rice, can be made by boiling oats with milk and honey or sugar. The cinnamon that you will sprinkle on top gives a taste that will be somewhat reminiscent of the classic rice pudding.
• Cookies and bars. For a healthy side dish for coffee, or for a nutritious snack, you can prepare cookies and cereal bars with oats.
• Cakes and muffins. Our favorite cakes and muffins become even tastier and definitely healthier if you replace some of the flour with oats.
• Bread, breadsticks. As with cakes, so in the case of bread, but also for breadsticks, part of the flour can be replaced with oats.
• Light oatmeal meal. Oats are not only delicious if boiled with milk, but also with plain water. For a light meal, boil your oats, add salt, pepper, or some other spice of your choice and serve with a soft cheese, such as cream cheese.
• Burgers and breading. Replacing the breadcrumbs with oats, in the burgers, the meatballs but also the breading, you will have a healthy food, especially delicious. You will love oats especially in breading, as the crust it creates is very crunchy.
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