The best dieticians and nutritionists frequently suggest oats for those moving toward healthier and more nutritious eating preferences. The ultimate healthy food, oats are delicious and incredibly nutritious as a meal or even a snack. Oats are now a staple of every health-conscious person’s diet because they are regarded as a superfood with a wealth of dietary fibre, beta-glucan, and numerous important nutrients. However, not everyone is familiar with the various types of oats and their several generic counterparts that are offered on the market. But before we get into that, the most important thing to remember is that all different kinds of oats share two underlying qualities: goodness and wellness!
The different types of oats and their nutritional benefits:
1. Oat Groats
The market’s purest and most natural kind of oat is called oat groats. They are the hulled whole grain oat kernels that contain the endosperm, bran, and germ. They can be a great alternative to rice and other whole grains as they have the longest cooking time and are the most intact version of this entire grain. If you’re wondering about the oats flavour, they have a little bit of a nutty taste and are very chewy in nature!
Are oat groats nutritious?
Oat groats are very nutrient-dense, largely because they are the whole grain’s rawest form and still contain all of its original nutrients. Oats’ beta-glucans aid in blood sugar regulation, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. They are also gluten-free and help you feel fuller longer.
2. Steel Cut Oats
Whole hulled oats that have been chopped once or twice with a steel blade are known as Steel Cut Oats or Irish Oats. The chunks cook more slowly since they are rather large. Additionally, they are the most popular morning cereal. But they are not preferred for baking applications due to their big flakes. Just like oat groats, these too have a nutty flavour and are chewy in nature, but once cooked, they take on a thick and creamy consistency.
Are steel-cut oats nutritious?
The body breaks down the grain pieces slowly since they are dense, which keeps the body functioning for a longer period of time. Additionally, the thick flakes lower the glycemic index, enabling more tightly controlled blood sugar levels. They help avoid a sharp rise in blood glucose levels since the body breaks them down gradually.
3. Rolled Oats
These traditional oats, often known as rolled oats, are the most common variety. Oats are put through big rolling mills to be toasted, hulled, steamed, and finally rolled. These oats are quite filling, therefore, just a small amount is needed. These oats also have a low cooking time, a mild taste, and a really soft texture. You can eat rolled oats like cereal, and to prepare the oats for eating, simply soak them in milk or water for a few hours- that’s it, your meal is ready!
Are rolled oats nutritious?
Soluble fibre, which is abundant in rolled oats, aids in decreasing cholesterol in general and bad cholesterol in particular. Due to their complex nature, they keep you fuller for longer than simple carbohydrates. Additionally, they contain a lot of protein, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
4. Quick oats
Simply rolled oats that come in varying thicknesses are Quick Oats. These oats are produced using the same method as rolled oats. They go through the rolling mill, but are rolled into thinner flakes after being roasted, hulled, steam-treated, and processed. Therefore, when compared to rolled oats, their cooking time is much shorter. Quick oats absorb water very quickly and have a mild flavour and a soft texture- just like rolled oats. They too have a low cooking time!
Are quick oats nutritious?
Quick oats are oat varieties that aid in blood sugar stabilisation and weight loss. Because oats contain beta-glucan, which takes longer to digest, you will feel satisfied for a longer time. They are also loaded with fibre and antioxidants.
5. Instant Oats
One of the best types of oats is instant oats, which come in single-serving oatmeal packets and are flavoured. For quick preparation, they are pre-cooked, dried, chopped, steamed for a longer period of time, and then rolled into thin flakes. They are a quick and practical way to consume oats’ health benefits without devoting a lot of time. Instant oats have a very low cooking time- just 1 minute! They have a fine texture, in fact, sometimes they can be grainy too- like a fine powder, and they absorb water very quickly.
Are instant oats nutritious?
Instant oats have a low-fat content—specifically, a low saturated fat content—which lowers the risk of heart disease or cardiac arrest. They are high in fibre, carbohydrates, and protein. They are perfect for your everyday meal!
Whether your dietician/nutritionist has asked you to have oats, your favourite fitness influencer has posted about it, or you’re seeing all your friends starting to have oats on an everyday basis- you must know, that it is one of the most widely consumed everyday nutritious food items. While all different types of oat offer a variety of health advantages, you can always select a specific kind based on your needs and taste preference.
Include this healthy and tasty food in your everyday diet to see a positive change in your health! Order today from LoveLocal.
