Oats are super-cereal because of their high nutritious value, unparalleled adaptability, and distinct texture. Fitness and health fanatics swear by it for its energy-boosting properties, bakers utilize it as a healthier substitute for guilt-free pastries, some even use it in their beauty routine and some people use oats for breakfast as they think it’s a healthy breakfast idea.
The humble grain has considerably more use than you might think. While it’s most commonly associated with a simple cup of porridge, this ancient cereal has some fascinating backstories. Here are some facts you should know about oats, whether you like them or not.
Oats: Things You Should Know
Oats come in a variety of nutritional forms, but they all share a similar nutritional profile: One of the most widespread misunderstandings regarding oats is that the nutritional value varies depending on the oat variety. This is a major fallacy with no supporting evidence. In truth, the texture of these distinct types of oats is solely determined by how the oat grain is treated. This method, on the other hand, does not affect the grain’s nutritional value.
A grain with a long and illustrious history: Oats, along with other grains including barley, rye, flaxseeds, and wheat, were cultivated in Syria circa 9000 years ago, according to research. This happened during the Neolithic period, which spanned from 10,000 to 4,500 B.C. and was the final stone age period. As a result, oats are one of the oldest cereals ever cultivated by humans. Oats and the Chinese have a long history together, dating back to 7000 B.C.
Breadcrumbs can be replaced with a healthy alternative: As a substitute for breadcrumbs, rolled and quick oats work well for creating the outside coating for foods like cutlets. These two varieties not only bind the meal nicely but also give it a soft texture that is easy to chew. So, if you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand or want a healthier substitute, oats can help.
It’s more than a cereal: Yes, you read that correctly. Oats are more than just a bowl of cereal. The grain is also used to feed farm animals as fodder. Oats are unequaled in terms of fiber content when compared to other feeds for poultry, cattle, horses, and young animals. Not to mention the inclusion of crude protein, which makes it an excellent feed option.
It contains no gluten: Gluten is widely misunderstood, with many individuals believing that it affects everyone. However, only persons who are gluten intolerant would have any negative consequences. Gluten is a protein that can be found in almost all grains. Oats, on the other hand, are inherently gluten-free, unlike most other grains. So, whether you have gluten sensitivities or not, oats are suitable for you. On your oats package, look for the “Gluten-Free” certification.
Friendly to the environment: Superfoods are more than just nutritious foods. People want them to be low-cost, versatile, and tasty, easy to make, and won’t spoil or waste food — all while being environmentally friendly and productive in the agricultural system! Ticking these boxes is a significant benefit for any food item these days, especially with the rise in population and demand for more items creating sustainability issues.
