Oats are a real local superfood, full of great nutrients. The saying “to feel one’s oats” was derived from the effect that oats had on horses, and has been used since the 16th century to describe very energetic or lively behaviour. Read on to find out what gives oats its special properties.

 

Regional Superfood

Oats are grown in many parts of the world, including Austria – particularly in the Waldviertel. This means not only shorter transport routes, but also the promotion of local agriculture. The most common use of oats is in the production of oatmeal. For this, the grain is husked and then rolled to form flakes. The best thing is that oatmeal is therefore wholegrain and contains plenty of valuable ingredients.

 

Power fibre beta-glucan

Oats are rich in fibre. 100g contain a staggering 10g of the valuable, indigestible plant components. The daily requirement of an average adult is about 30g per day. Beta-glucan is a very special water-soluble dietary fibre, which has two particular properties. On the one hand, beta-glucan helps to lower blood sugar levels after a meal; on the other, it also contributes to a normal blood cholesterol level. Since the early 20th century, these two benefits have played a major role in the treatment of diabetes on the oat diet.

 

Plant protein

100g of oatmeal contain about 14g of protein with a high proportion of essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body itself.  An oat-soya bread roll with humus can thus be an ideal source of protein in the morning.

 

High-quality fats

Oats provide a bit more fat than other cereals, and the contained fatty acids are of a very high quality. 100g of oats contain 7g of fat, one-third of which are polyunsaturated fatty acids that positively affect cholesterol and have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. To benefit from these advantages even more, try adding a teaspoon of flax oil, hemp oil or walnut oil to your porridge.

 

B vitamins

The group of B vitamins plays a crucial role in the transmission of impulses in the nervous system. Since these are water-soluble vitamins that cannot be stored by the body, they must be ingested regularly. People who have a lot of stress at work or in their private lives should pay particular attention to a balanced diet that is rich in B vitamins. Whole grains are among the main sources, with oats being rich in thiamine (B1), folic acid and biotin (B7). For a simple snack at work to nourish the body on an intense workday, try a combination of oatmeal, fruit and yoghurt.

 

Iron

Iron is one of the trace elements and, as a component of the red blood pigment haemoglobin, is responsible for the transport of oxygen in the blood. Because of the loss of blood during menstruation, women should ensure a sufficient supply of iron when they have their period. Besides animal products, grain is one of the most important sources. The absorption of iron can be increased in combination with vitamin C. Ideal combinations include sweet porridges with oatmeal and strawberries, rose hips or oranges, or savoury variations with oats and broccoli or peppers – the ultimate vitamin C bomb.

 

A daily serving of oats

Oat is a high-quality grain that has been valued in Europe for many centuries. Whether it’s the oat diet, grandma’s oatmeal soup or current trends with a large variety of porridges and cereal biscuits, oats are not only delicious, they are also good for us. We regularly add them to our day, sometimes as the basis for a home-made muesli bar, sometimes as Bircher muesli for the next working day, or sometimes in bread rolls with great flakes.

Do you have any other questions? Please write an e-mail to marketing@backaldrin.com.

The girls at "Ernährungsliebe", dieticians