Well, there are many reasons, but the most important ones can be found below.
The modern oat draws its heritage from the wild red oat, originating in Asia. Oats have been grown for thousands of years in various regions throughout the world.
Oats, known scientifically as Avena sativa, are a cereal grain able to withstand poor soil/weather conditions in which other crops are unable to grow.
Oats get part of their flavor from the roasting process, after being harvested and cleaned.
Lower Cholesterol Levels
A bowl of fresh cooked oats is the perfect way to start off the day, Oats, oat bran, and oatmeal contain a specific type of fibre known as beta-glucan.
Study after study has proven the beneficial effects of this special fibre on cholesterol levels.
These studies show that in individuals with high cholesterol (above 220 mg/dl), consuming just 3 grams of soluble oat fibre per day (an amount found in one bowl of oats) typically lowers total cholesterol by 8-23%.
Reduce Risk Of Heart Disease
Not only that, antioxidant compounds unique to oats, called avenanthramides, help prevent free radicals from damaging LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, suggests a study conducted at Tufts University and published in The Journal of Nutrition.
Do They Contain Vitamins & Minerals?
Oats are an excellent source of magnesium, phosphorus and molybdenum. They are also a very good source of copper, biotin, vitamin B1, dietary fibre, chromium, zinc, and protein.
What type of oats is there?
Steel-cut oats: have a dense and chewy texture, they are produced by running the grain through steel blades that thinly slices them.
Old-fashioned oats: are flatter in shape that is the result of their being steamed and then rolled.
Quick-cooking oats: processed like old-fashioned oats, except they are cut finely then rolled.
Instant oatmeal: made by cooking the oat grains and then rolling them thin. Usually, sugar, salt and other negative ingredients are added (to give enhanced taste/shelf life etc) to make the finished product. One to avoid.
Oat bran: the outer layer of the husk. While bran is found in rolled oats and steel-cut oats, it may also be bought as a separate product that can be added to recipes or used to make a hot cereal.
Oat flour: used in baking, it is often combined with wheat or other flours when to make leavened bread.
