Three Perfect Reasons To Take Oats

Cereals, grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables make a nutritious daily diet.  There are a number of varieties available in each category. Consuming these helps to maintain a healthy life. When grains are refined, the “bran” and the “germ” are removed, reducing the nutrient content of the grain. That’s why it is better to consume a whole grain which contains all three parts of the grain –Bran, Endosperm and Germ. Choosing a product of 100% whole grain has powerful health benefits with large quantities of vitamins, minerals and fibre as compared to processed products like refined flours and cereals.

Consuming whole grains in a balanced amount is an important part of a healthy diet. Having 3 servings of whole grains daily is required to fulfil the fibre requirement of the body.

Oats are a great type of whole grain. Here are three reasons why you should include oats as part of your daily diet:

1. Oats are 100% whole grain and a natural source of carbohydrates and dietary fibre (Contains beta-glucan soluble fibre that helps reduce cholesterol). They are high in protein. Intake of oats gives satiation and thereby helps in weight loss.
2. Starting your day with a healthy breakfast can be good for your waistline! Eating breakfast is a common habit for people actively maintaining their body and fitness levels! Oats provides 70% of the daily whole grain requirement per day.
3. A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart disease. Oats help reduce cholesterol thereby is a heart-friendly product.  Oats along with some exercise and activities lead to a healthy lifestyle.

Oats are one of the most versatile whole grains. Oats can be enjoyed as delicious oatmeal porridge with toppings like walnuts, raisins, dates, almonds and your favourite fruits or as an ingredient in your regular foods like idli, paranthas, soups, lassi, sandwiches and more! As the summer season is approaching, here is a simple recipe to quench your thirst.

Oats And Spinach Masala Buttermilk

Ingredients

Oats- ½ cup

Hot water – ¾ cup

Ice cold water- 1 cup

Blanched spinach- ¼ cup

Yoghurt- 1 and ½ cup

Roasted jeera powder – 1 Tsp

Rock salt – ¼ tsp

Paprika (Optional) -1/4 tsp

Salt to taste

Method

Soak oats in hot water for 2-3 min. Mix to form a smooth mixture.
Put the spinach leaves and soaked oats in a blender and blend till smooth.
Mix in yoghurt, cold water and spices. Blend for another 30 secs.
Garnish with a dash of paprika and serve immediately.

Image via Pixabay

Anuradha sowmyanarayanan

simple and straightforward with a wish to learn more languages and literature.

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