Oats have long been recognized as a whole grain with superior nutritional benefits. Some of these include that:

1. Consuming oats promotes digestive regularity: Oats contain fibre, a type of carbohydrate that passes through the body undigested. When consumed, some of the fibre in oats (called soluble fibre) works in supporting the absorption of water and easing the excretion of waste (5). Oats also contain another kind of fibre, called resistant starch. Resistant starch similarly passes through the body undigested until it is used to feed the gut’s ‘good’ bacteria, thus further promoting digestive health (3).

2. Oat can help to lower your cholesterol levels: A regular consumption of soluble fibre has also been found to help decrease, and therefore improve, LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol levels. The soluble fibre in oats helps to prevent the absorption of cholesterol and mobilizes it for excretion (2,6).  

3. Oats are a source of antioxidants: Oats contain a particular antioxidant called avenanthramides. This is a kind of antioxidant that works to combat inflammation, as well as improve blood and oxygen flow throughout the body.

4. Consuming oats promotes more consistent energy levels: Oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates. These take longer to digest compared to other carbohydrates, providing slower-releasing energy as opposed to more immediate spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels (1).

5. Oats are packed with important nutrients: Like many other whole grains, oats are rich in B vitamins, as well as iron, zinc and magnesium. These nutrients all play key roles in essential functions throughout our body, including hormone balance, bone strength and immunity (1).

Ingredients:

½ cup Anita's Organic Mill Organic Steel Cut Oats
1 cup Oat Canada Zero Sugar Oat Milk (or water)
1 tbsp Beekeeper's Naturals B.Powered Superfood Honey
1 tbsp Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts
1 tbsp slivered almonds
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup fresh raspberries
½ apple, chopped

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 1

Directions: Add the water to a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the oats. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce to low heat and stir in the chopped apple. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Once the water has mostly evaporated, remove from heat. Add the honey and cinnamon, and stir well to combine. Pour the oats into a bowl. Top with the hemp seeds, raspberries and almonds. Serve and enjoy!  

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