Benefits of Oats

While we have listed the numerous health benefits of oats, it is important to first understand what oat beta-glucan is:

What is Oat Beta-Glucan?

Oats have a soft kernel. The protective hull is not edible and makes up 25% of the grain. The hull is removed before processing. The remaining oat kernel contains large quantities of protein, soluble dietary fibres (oat beta-glucan) and unsaturated fatty acids, as well as several vitamins and minerals.

In an oat grain, these soluble fibres are naturally present at a particularly high level.

More than 100 scientific studies have proven the positive effects of oat beta-glucan which has ultimately led to the many health benefits of oats people experience upon consumption. The effect oat beta-glucan has on cholesterol levels was first discovered in the 1960s and has been continually researched since.

The OatWell™ range of products are especially high in oat beta-glucan, and should be an important part of every food plan.

 

Oat Health Benefits of OatWell™

Cholesterol Control

There are many oat health benefits which users can experience upon consumption of our products. One of which refers to the level of cholesterol control in your body. OatWell™ products supply oat beta-glucan which has been proven to reduce blood cholesterol levels through the following mechanism: Beta-glucan in the soluble dietary fibres of the oats splits once in the digestive tract, creating a gel which binds with cholesterol-rich bile acids secreted into the gut to digest food. The re-absorption of these “trapped” bile acids is reduced, the production of new bile acids from body cholesterol is promoted and the uptake of cholesterol into the blood stream is reduced. The bad cholesterol (LDL) is ‘caught’ without affecting the good cholesterol (HDL).

Digestive Health

Oat beta-glucan is a soluble fibre which is responsible for increasing the viscosity of the gut and increasing the transit time of the stool through the bowel. This goes a long way to promoting healthy functioning of the gut and is one of the most sought after oat health benefits users wish to experience upon consumption of our products.

Reduced Blood Sugar Peaks After A Meal

The further health benefits of oats relate to the reduction and control of blood sugar levels. Oat beta-glucan slows down the rise in blood sugar levels after a meal and delays the lowering of the blood sugar level to the pre-meal level. When the beta-glucan is digested, a gel forms which makes the contents of the stomach and the small intestine more viscous. Digestion is thus slowed, the uptake of carbohydrates into the blood stream takes longer, and sudden fluctuations in the blood sugar levels are prevented.

 

Incorporating OatWell™ Into Your Diet

To ensure maximum oat health benefits from oat beta- glucan, you need to consume one serving of OatWell™ each day. To help you, we have formulated the OatWell™ range to fit easily into your daily routine.

OatWell™ Original is a highly versatile product.  Simply sprinkle 2 heaped teaspoons of OatWell™ Original onto breakfast cereal or porridge, add to muesli, mix into yoghurt or even blend with milk or fruit juice. You can also add OatWell™ Original to baking, such as bread, muffins and pancakes.