The top Eight Health Benefits of GF Oats

Oats are a highly nutritious grain with so many proven health benefits.

They’re becoming a popular breakfast again, as people move away from heavily processed cereals high in sugar preservatives and numbers that we don’t know what they mean. Oats are commonly used to make porridge and are also found in granola, muesli, and other foods and biscuits. Oats are becoming increasingly popular in smoothies as a healthy way to provide a thick and creamy base.

We took a quick look at the Top 8 health benefits of Oats, to break it down a little.

Please note that if sold anywhere else in the world, our oats would be labelled as Gluten Free Oats, however here in Australia we can’t legally label our oats as gluten free oats due to outdated Australian labelling laws.

1. Oats are rich in antioxidants
   Whole oats are high in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. Most notable is a unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are almost solely found in oats. These antioxidants are strong for anti-inflammatory effects and help provide protection against aging-related diseases and more.
2. 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. Here in Australia, we can only call them gluten friendly oats not gluten free oats, due to strict labelling laws. 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.

3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

At GF Oats, we absolutely love Oats and we especially love how great they are for you! The number of health benefits really solidifies oats as one of the best breakfast foods and ingredients to use in everyday life to get some daily goodness for your body. Check out our many recipes for how you can incorporate oats into your diet and the latest healthy oat products we have available for you at GF Oats.