Oats' Secret to Health

There's more to oatmeal than just a hot bowl of hearty breakfast. In recent years, oats have been recognized for providing a wide range of important health benefits -- from preventing simple constipation to helping the body avert serious illnesses such as heart disease.

Despite its health benefits, oats have a humble origin which dates back to Germany in 1000 B.C. But its popularity did not spread across Europe readily. This was due in part to its bland taste and the commonly held view that it was "a food more suited for animals." In the mid 1980s, with much scientific research to establish its health benefits especially in heart disease prevention, oats' contribution was recognized.

Oats are great source of dietary fiber,particularly soluble fiber, which breaks down as it passes through the digestive tract. This turns into a thick, viscous gel that traps bad cholesterol (LDL) without lowering good cholesterol (HDL). With its role in cholesterol reduction, oats, when combined witha diet low in saturated fat, have been found to help reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Besides helping prevent heart diseases, oats also benefit diabetics. The soluble fiber in oats traps carbohydrates and slows down digestion and absorption, thereby preventing wide swings in blood sugar level. With its, high fiber content, oats also helkp prevent and alleviate constipation as they keep bowel movement regular. By adding bulk to stool, the fiber in oats hastens the passage in fecal material to the gut.

The soluble fiber in oats can alsobe considered beneficial in weight control as it delays stomach emptying, making one feel full for a longer period of time, thus preventing frequent snacking. Aside from dietary fiber, oats also contain important vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin B1 and B6 that are vital in helping achieve general health.