5 Health Benefits of Oat Flour

Oat flour is gaining in popularity due to 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. 

Health Benefits of Oats

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 tells your brain you’re full, absorbs fat, and keeps bowels regular. Most Amercians 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.  Adding oat flour into your recipes can help you to 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, which is the number one cause of deaths in the United States. Oatmeal has been highlighted for its ability to lower cholesterol levels for years, 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.  

4. Heart Health

Due to oatmeal’s powerful support of healthy cholesterol levels, it also reduces heart disease!  

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.  For best results buy oat flour that is made from organic rolled oats like Arrowhead Mills Organic Oat Flour. 

5. Nourishes Your Gut

Not only does the fiber in oats help with weight management, cholesterol, heart health, and blood sugar control, but it also nourishes 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.

About Emily Cornelius

Emily is a Registered Dietitian with over 9 years of experience. Through her own previous struggle with hormone imbalance, she’s researched and learned about the significant benefits of whole grains, legumes, and flaxseed. Now, with a renewed and personal understanding of nutrition, she’s hoping to educate and give hope to others who may be facing health struggles.