Tuesday the 10th of October is World Mental Health Day and we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the impact that food can have on our day-to-day mood and and mental wellbeing. Food fuels both body and mind and gives our bodies the energy we need to be at our best throughout the day so the importance of eating nutritious, wholesome food should never be under-estimated.
In this blog, we take a quick look at the Top 8 health benefits of Oats and how they can help to support your overall mental and physical wellbeing.
1. Alternative Gluten free breakfast
When oats are grown in uncontaminated fields like the oats available at GF Oats Australia, they are fabulous for people with a gluten intolerance as a grain alternative. For people needing to avoid gluten, oats can provide a wonderful substitution to the highly processed cereals currently on offer to the gluten free community loaded with GMO corn, soy, and sugar.
2. High GI and slow-release energy
Oats are among the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat due to the fact they are rich in carbs and fibre but also high in protein and fat compared to most other grains. Eating oats for breakfast provides your body with slow-release energy throughout the day.
3. Great for the Heart & Digestion
Oats has been proven to assist with overall heart and digestive health when included in a balanced diet. Oats contain beta-glucan fibre (regulates appetite, helps you feel fuller for longer) Beta-glucan also has been shown to lower cholesterol. Enhances digestive health – fibre supports bowel movements and prevents constipation.
4. Soluble fibre
Oats expand in the belly, this expansion helps us to feel fuller for longer, as well as moving through our digestive system at a slower rate while also reducing the rate glucose enters the bloodstream.
5. Long Shelf Life
When oats are steamed and rolled, they are now referred to as stabilized oats which is what we provide here at GF Oats Australia – Steamed Rolled Old Fashioned Oats. Similar to rice and pasta, stabilised oats will typically last 12 – 15 months if the package is unopened or in an air-tight container and stored in a cool dry environment.
6. Vitamins, Minerals, and all the good stuff
Oats are sometimes referred to as among the healthiest grains on earth. A delicious, versatile whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants.
7. Assisting with Weight Management
Studies show that oats and oatmeal can assist with weight loss, can lower blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. That said, some versions of oatmeal are healthier than others. Whereas instant oatmeal sachets with a lot of sugar (or dessert inspired overnight oats) may lead to weight gain, homemade versions sweetened only with fruit may promote weight loss. No matter your weight goals, you can make small changes to your oatmeal to help you either gain or lose weight. Oatmeal’s effects on your weight largely depend on how it’s prepared.
8. Eating oats can stabilise blood sugar levels and boost your mood!
Oats provide fibre that can stabilize your blood sugar levels and boost your mood. They're also high in iron, which may improve mood symptoms in those with iron deficiency anaemia. Just another reason why we love our #bloodygoodAUSSIEoats!
As you can see, oats don’t just taste great. The number of health benefits associated with eating oats really solidifies that they are one of the best breakfast foods and ingredients to use in everyday life to get some daily goodness for your body. Eating a nutritious breakfast is just one way you can set your body up with the fuel it needs to be at its best throughout the day.
On this World Mental Health Day, we encourage each and every one of you to check in with your family and friends to make sure they are doing OK.
To access free resources, or to find out about the Look After Your Mental Health Australia campaign, visit: https://lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au/
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Kylie and the GF Oats team