benefiTS
OF OAT

20/09/23

THE PROPERTIES OF OATS

Rich in fibre, vitamins, protein and many other nutrients, oats are a valuable cereal for the body's wellbeing.
Its versatility allows it to be consumed in a variety of ways: as grains, flakes, but also in the form of flour and as an ingredient in other preparations, maintaining its properties even after processing.
Oats come in grains like wheat and other cereals but, unlike the latter, even when processed it retains the germ and bran that contain most of its nutrients.
Rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, oats contain beta-glucan and pectin, which are useful in keeping 'bad' cholesterol levels under control and promoting intestinal regularity.
It also contains vitamin A and B vitamins, as well as many of the most important minerals for the whole body. Phosphorus, for example, is present in large quantities and contributes to the well-being of bones, teeth and memory by aiding the cellular rebuilding process.
Other minerals include iron, calcium, zinc and potassium, which is essential for regulating blood pressure, transmitting nerve impulses and eliminating water retention. Oats also contain certain alkaloids (gramina and avenalumina), organic substances that have a positive effect on mood, counteracting insomnia and nervousness. 

Nutritionally, oat grains consist mostly of starches and carbohydrates (60-70%), but they are an excellent source of vegetable protein (about 15%) and good fats. Compared to other cereals, therefore, it is a much more complete, healthy and nutritious food.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Below are the nutritional values of oats (100 grams):

• Carbohydrates: 67 gr;
• Protein: 17 gr;
• Unsaturated fats: 7 gr;
• Fibre: 11 gr;
• Phosphorus: 523 mg;
• Iron: 5 mg;
• Magnesium: 178 mg;
• Folate: 56 mcg;
• Pantothenic acid:: 1,3 mg.

As far as calories are concerned, oats provide approximately 360 kcal per 100 grams; it is therefore not a low-calorie cereal but its characteristics make it an ideal substitute for wheat in slimming diets. It is a low glycaemic index food with high satiating power and anti-inflammatory, diuretic and laxative properties.

THE BENEFITS OF OATS

The benefits of oats for the body are many. An excellent ally of the stomach, intestines and the entire digestive system, oats are an easily digestible cereal, benefiting those who suffer from gastritis and digestive disorders, while its high fibre content promotes intestinal regularity.
The fibre it contains also contributes to increased satiety and helps control hunger pangs. If you are on a low-calorie weight-loss regime, therefore, choosing wholegrain oats over other cereals is a good strategy to provide your body with all the nutrients it needs and keep your calorie intake under control.

It also has energising effects on the body due to its carbohydrates, vitamins and alkaloids. Consuming oats for breakfast is therefore useful to start the day with energy and allow the body to recover faster in case of convalescence or stress.
Finally, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has declared that oats are actually able to reduce cholesterol levels, so they are also useful in the prevention of heart disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

GLUTEN-FREE OATS?

The toxicity of oats for coeliacs is still a matter of debate. In the past, it was excluded a priori from the diet of coeliacs, whereas several studies now portray it as relatively safe. Specifically, if introduced pure, i.e. not contaminated with wheat, barley or rye proteins during processing, oats would not be harmful to the majority (99.4%) of coeliacs. So although oats are a naturally gluten-free food, they could be contaminated along the supply chain, from harvest to packaging, which is why we have chosen to make products specifically formulated for coeliacs to ensure they are gluten-free. Therefore, in addition to our wide range of Baby Oat Flakes and Oat Flour flavours, we have created a dedicated Gluten Free line: Fiocco d'avena baby Gluten Free , Fiocco d'avena baby Gluten Free al gusto Crema al Limone ,  Fiocco d'avena baby Gluten Free al gusto Latte e Biscotti, Fiocco d'avena baby Gluten Free al gusto Noccioloso.

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