Oats, the cholesterol mops

If you are on a weight loss regimen, you know the allure of a quick fix to lose weight. Most people dream of a way by which they can lose weight without too much of a hassle. “Why can’t we come up with something that can sponge away all the excess fat?” is a rhetorical question many people have asked. While there is no indication that such a tool for weight loss will be found in the near future, scientists are one step closer to identifying a way by which at least excess cholesterol can be mopped away, so as to leave the heart free of the risk of heart disease.People with elevated cholesterol are familiar with the recommendation to include oats in their diets. We are now closer to understanding why oats are so important.
Dietary fat is broken down into cholesterol by bile acids in the intestine. Bile acids are produced in the liver to facilitate the digestion of lipids. Cholesterol is further broken down in a series of reactions ultimately resulting in bile acids, completing the circle. Bile acids are reabsorbed in the intestine, and excess bile acids are excreted.
In a study conducted in the University of Queensland, scientists used animals on a diet enriched with oat beta glucan (BG) for 26 days, to assess the metabolism and absorption of bile acids. They found that there was a reduction in total bile acids by almost 25%, total cholesterol by 37%, and “bad” cholesterol by nearly 60%. There was a significant decrease in the absorption of bile acids in the intestine. These results indicate that oat beta glucan prevents the reabsorption of bile acids as well as uptake of cholesterol, thereby reducing the availability of bile for fat metabolism. Since fats cannot be broken down completely, there is a decrease in the amount of cholesterol in the blood. This study proposes a possible mechanism by which oats exert their heart healthy benefits through cholesterol reduction, by sponging away bile acids. These results are noteworthy, as they highlight the importance of oat BG, which in the future could be used to enhance the cholesterol-busting effects of other cereals such as wheat.
Oats are good for us. There are a zillion ways to incorporate this cereal in the diet. Oats are filling, nutritious, have anti-oxidants, they are digested slowly so they help maintain blood sugar etc. These are just a few of the benefits of oats apart from those that are good for the heart. So what are you waiting for? Try that new oats recipe you had your eye on, today!
Have a real good morning with oatmeal full of oats dry fruits. Take it as instant oats (steamed and flaked) or rolled oats (more thicker oats). Why oats? Oats have complex carbohydrates, proteins and unsaturated fats so it’s a power house for the entire day. Beta glucan in oats reduces bad cholesterol (LDL), the antioxidant (Avenanthramide) present in oats protects the helping cholesterol (HDL) from reacting with the free radicals. Because of high fibre content, oats control blood sugars and avoids constipation. Oats have high satiety index so one will not have excessive cravings for the other half of the day.
So select oats as your best companion.
Oats are comfort food, not just for the soul, but for the heart as well.

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