Organic Gluten Free Oats
Oats (Avena sativa) are a highly nutritious breakfast cereal containing a broad range of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, polyphenols and soluble fibre. Unique standouts for oats are:
- the Avenanthramides which help to lower blood pressure by inducing nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is responsible for the dilation of blood vessels.
- Oats are high in the soluble fibre called beta glucan. This helps to lower LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and balance blood sugar levels.
- The slow release fibres make you feel fuller for longer offering a slow release of carbohydrates helping to balance your energy requirements.
Cooking oats is easy and quick!
1/2 cup of raw organic gluten free oats provides about 3/4 cup yield. Cook with a little himalayan rock salt and water (just to cover) for about 3-5 minutes.
Personally I don’t like the oats cooked too much because I’m not a fan of the soggy texture. Cooked to soften with the oats remaining a little firm is my preference.
Here are some of my favourite topping for oats!
- 1/2 grated apple with a squeeze of lemon juice, a few walnuts, tahini and a drizzle of honey.
- 1/2 banana, some blueberries, pepitas, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and a dollop of Organic pot-set sheeps yoghurt.
- strawberries, blueberries, walnuts, honey, tahini, and coyo yoghurt.
Add any combination for variety.
I recommend buying ORGANIC and GLUTEN FREE so as to ensure the oats are not contaminated during processing. Having oats as a breakfast cereal with a variety of different toppings can replace any commerical brand which are usually high in sugar, salt, preservatives and additives.