Super foods: oats
What's so super about them?
Porridge topped with fruit
'A large bowl of porridge for breakfast is ideal'
Oats are a highly effective way of preventing heart disease because they contain soluble fibre that dramatically lowers cholesterol levels. A bowl of porridge a day can reduce cholesterol by up to 23 per cent, with each one per cent drop in cholesterol translating as a two per cent fall in the risk of developing heart disease.
US researchers have found that a daily serving of oats can improve blood pressure. They also prevent depression by boosting serotonin levels in the brain and reduce the risk of diabetes by absorbing sugar from the gut, cutting out the need for large quantities of insulin to be released. The complex carbohydrates in oats help prevent breast, colon and prostate cancer.
Key ingredients?
Oats contain a specific type of soluble fibre, beta glucan, that soaks up cholesterol from the bloodstream. They're also a good source of folic acid, which is essential for healthy foetal development and vitamin B1(thiamin), crucial for the nervous system.
Do they boost brainpower?
Yes. The complex, slow-release carbohydrates in oats stabilise blood sugar levels, which helps improve concentration.
Will they make me look gorgeous?
Yes. Or at least a bit younger. With advancing age, erratic blood sugar swings accelerate an ageing process that damages collagen, causing skin to droop and lose elasticity. The complex carbohydrates in oats maintain blood sugar levels.
How many calories?
At around 265 calories for a standard bowl of porridge (45g) with skimmed milk, oats aren't a low-calorie option. But if you make porridge with water (albeit less tasty), a standard bowl is only166 calories.
How much do I need to eat?
A large bowl of porridge for breakfast is ideal. Apparently porridge eaters tend to be slimmer than the general population as they feel fuller longer and don't snack between meals or overeat at lunchtime.
How should I eat it?
If porridge isn't your thing, try a handful of oats added to yogurt and fruit. Oatcakes and oatmeal bread are also good, as are flapjacks.