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Oats
If this hearty grain came with any more nutrients we'd swear that the Quakers who push this stuff were mad scientists on a mission to create the perfect food. Simply put, oats are a nutritional all star. That is, if they are minimally processed and don't come packed with large amounts of refined sugar and flavors. Oats have the best amino acid profile of any grain and a complex carbohydrate profile that could power a top fuel dragster. It also has many other nutrients that have largely gone unrecognized until a few years ago. Let’s take a deeper look at this grain and the power that lies within:
Avenanthramides: For many years fruits and vegetables received all the attention from researchers and press alike when it came to Antioxidant profiles. It wasn't until a man named Rui Hai Liu began to look at the bound forms of antioxidants in grains and discovered that they are "unlocked" in the body and work just as the unbound forms found in fruits and vegetables. Dr. Liu's findings were reported at the American Institute for Cancer Research Conference and since then Oats have enjoyed a level of celebrity that they haven't seen since the full beard and top hat were at the pinnacle of food vending fashion. Avenanthramides are some of the many antioxidants found in oats. They work as a powerful anti inflammatory agent and have a 4 fold approach to keeping idle cholesterol from sticking to arterial walls.
Phytonutrients, Vitmains and Minerals: Oats are packed with minerals such as manganese, tryptophan and selenium as well as Vitamin B. The amounts found in oats are ideal ratios to ensure that these nutrients are absorbed and effectively used by the body instead of being flushed out.
Beta-glucan: A beta version that actually works. This special fiber found in oats has been shown to do everything from enhancing the body's immune system to significantly stabilizing blood sugar levels. It also helps to soak up bad cholesterol and protect against heart disease.
• Soluble and insoluble fiber: Oats are an incredible source of both types of this underappreciated nutrient. Soluble fiber helps blood lipid profiles maintain a healthy balance while controlling blood sugar and facilitating the removal of toxins from the body. Insoluble fiber helps to keep the body's digestive system flowing smoothly while contributing to satiety and weight control.