RawVeg.info → Oats
Doctor Johnson proposed to define the word ‘oats’ thus: A grain which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people. And I replied: Aye, and that’s why England has such fine horses, and Scotland such fine people.
– James Boswell
Some people have heard that all oats you buy are cooked. Only the rolled oats are pre-cooked. Whole unmilled oat groats are raw, and alive. Those are the ones that look similar to grains of brown rice. Steel-cut oats are raw, but they are not alive and fresh.
Oats contain antioxidants such as IP-6, vitamin E, and zinc. Avenanthramides keep blood cells from sticking to artery walls.
Oats are a good source of vitamin B6, which boosts the brain's levels of serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter. Serotonin aids relaxation and sleep, and fights depression. Serotonin goes down in winter when there's less sunlight. Manganese, used in bones and connective tissue and in producing energy. Zinc, used in growth, immune system, and sexual development. Folic acid. Soluble fiber.
Oats on Wikipedia
Oat antioxidants (phenolic acids, avenanthramides) help vitamin C prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
This is probably one of the ways that oats protects against heart disease.
Nutrition.org
Oat antioxidants are being studied to see if they protect against aging and the stress of exercise.
Agricultural Research Service
Avenanthramides in oats are anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic (anti-itch), and anti-histamine. Oats have been used on irritated skin for centuries. Once again, science verifies traditional healing knowledge. Modern corporations would love to sell you expensive oat extract products, but they got the idea from people who were using ordinary oats on their skin.
You have to eat oatmeal or you'll dry up. Anybody knows that.
- Kay Thompson
Beta glucan, a solubile fiber in whole oats, stimulates repair of skin cells. It may help reduce wrinkles, protect against UV damage, help heal wounds, improve hair strength, and more. But before you run out and buy pricey oat skin goo, why not put oats and water in the blender, and make your own?
Learn How to Make Oat Yogurt
RawVeg.info © Jordan Rothstein <jordan at rawveg.info>