Oat flour has gained popularity for its cholesterol lowering and anti-diabetic effects. Oat flour and oatmeal are no different in nutritional value because they are made up of the same initial ingredient. That means oat flour contains the germ, bran, and endosperm which makes it rich in whole grains.
Because of their powerful nutritious profile, it’s recommended to consume a serving of oats daily. To be honest, I don’t feel like having oatmeal every day for breakfast, so oat flour provides another way to eat oats to support health. Discover the numerous health benefits of oats being incorporated into your daily diet and explore its versatility as a gluten free alternative to traditional flour.
1. Supports Healthy Weight:
The recommended diet for weight loss is rich in dietary fiber. Oat flour is rich in fiber which is an incredible carbohydrate because it increases metabolism, triggers your CCK hormone that signals to your brain that you’re full, absorbs fat, and promotes regular bowel movements. Most Americans don’t eat enough fiber, with the average only being at 10-15g per day while the USDA’s recommended daily amount for adults up to age 50 is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. By incorporating oat flour into your recipes, you can meet your recommended daily fiber intake, which in turn helps with weight loss by preventing overeating.
2. Cholesterol Lowering
High cholesterol is a primary risk factor in heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. Oatmeal has long been highlighted for its ability to lower cholesterol levels, but how does this happen? Oatmeal has Beta-Glucans which are a form of soluble fiber that help prevent the body from absorbing cholesterol from foods. There are two forms of b-glucans, insoluble and soluble, which are able to interact with biliary salts in the bowel and this results in reduced cholesterol levels.
3. Can Help Control Blood Sugar
Research has found that consuming 100g of oats (½ cup) per day significantly improved hyperglycemia and reduced weight in those with type 2 diabetes. Oat flour can be a valuable addition to a diabetic-friendly diet, assisting in the control of blood sugar levels in the body.
4. Heart Health
Due to oatmeal’s powerful support of healthy cholesterol levels, it can also reduce heart disease risk!
The FDA allows products containing at least 750mg of beta-glucans (those fibers that help to support lipid levels) to be labeled as heart healthy. When selecting oat flour, look for options made from organic rolled oats like Arrowhead Mills Organic Oat Flour for optimal results.
5. Nourishes Your Gut Health
Not only does the fiber in oats help with weight management, cholesterol, heart health, and blood sugar control, but oats can also nourish your gut! Oats are a prebiotic that help to feed probiotics. Think of prebiotics as the fuel for your probiotics! They work together to support a healthy colony of bacteria. Having a healthy gut reduces the risk of excess inflammation, digestive disorders, and disease. The absolute best oats for your gut are Arrowhead Mills Organic Steel Cut Oats.
Stock up on your health supporting oats with Arrowhead Mill Organic Oat Flour, and Arrowhead Mills Organic Oat Bran Flakes. Incorporate these organic options into your recipes to reap the numerous health benefits of oat flour.
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