Why are oats so good for you?

Oats can help reduce cholesterol, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and can have a positive impact on blood pressure. That was the message from Dr Derek Stewart of SCRI as he helped launch the ‘All About Oats’ campaign to promote the health benefits of eating oats.

Dr Stewart, head of the Quality, Health and Nutrition programme at SCRI – Scotland’s leading crop research institute – recently completed a review which found significant scientific evidence to support the health benefits of eating oats.

Some of the key health benefits of oats identified by the review include:

• can help reduce cholesterol
• can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
• can influence blood pressure
• oats are low GI foods providing a steady release of energy
• oats provide soluble and insoluble fibre that can support probiotic bacteria and influence gastrointestinal health
• oats can enhance the human immune system though the action of β-glucans (the active ingredients in oats).

Although sales of oat products, such as porridge and oatcakes, increased by seven per cent from June 2006 – 2007 compared to the previous year a recent survey showed 35 per cent of those questioned didn’t know what nutrients were found in a bowl of porridge.

The ‘All About Oats’ campaign aims to change that by highlighting oats as a good source of B vitamins, iron, potassium and various antioxidants and phytochemicals including β-glucans. It includes an ‘All About Oats’ website containing health facts, recipes and useful information on oats.

The campaign has been set up by the Scottish Oats Group in collaboration with Home-Grown Cereals Authority and Scotland Food and Drink. SCRI is a member of the Scottish Oats Group.