Many will agree that oats are among the healthiest grains you can eat, as they are packed with many important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Oat bran is merely the outer layer of the oat groat, which sits just beneath the inedible hull. Even though oat groats and steel-cut oats natural contain bran, oats with bran is sold separately as its own product.
There are numerous benefits accompanying oat bran such as improved blood sugar control, healthy bowel function, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. In this simple guide, we examine the health and nutrition benefits of oat bran.
Fully Packed with Nutrients
Oat brand boasts a well-balanced nutritional composition. Even though it has similar amounts of carbs and fat as regular oatmeal, oats with bran boasts more protein and fiber, and fewer calories. It is especially high in beta-glucan, a powerful type of soluble fiber. If this is not enough, oats with bran provides small amounts of folate, vitamin B6, niacin and calcium.
Oat bran is naturally gluten-free but can be contaminated with gluten during growing or processing. If you avoid gluten, be sure to look for oat bran specifically labeled gluten-free. Keep in mind oat bran packs more protein and fiber than rolled or quick oats.
Helps Reduces Heart Disease Risk Factors
Heart disease is responsible for approximately one in three deaths worldwide. Diet plays an essential role in heart health. Some foods can influence your body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and other risk factors for heart disease.
Oats with bran may help reduce certain risk factors, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure. For starters, it is a remarkable source of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that dissolves in water to form a viscous, gel-like substance in your digestive tract.
May Lower Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer
We can never conclude without mentioning the sheer fact that oats with branhas several properties that may lower your risk of colorectal cancer. For one, it’s high in soluble fibers that act as food for your healthy gut bacteria. These bacteria ferment fiber, which produces SCFAs.
In addition, oats with bran is consider a whole grain- functionally, if not technically- because it’s high in fiber. Keep in mind diets in whole grains tend to lower the risk of colorectal cancer. However, more human research in this area is still needed.