Oats

Oats Oats have been consumed by man for more than 4,000 years. Initially, oats were most likely considered edible weeks by the ancient Egyptians and were not truly cultivated until the Bronze Age. With this said, the history of oats is very hard to discern since there are so many unique species and subspecies. The greatest center of oat variety can be traced to Asia, where the largest diversity of oats can be found.
Oats were carried to the New World at the beginning of the 17th century, where they were planted in Colonial Massachusetts. Soon, they became quite popular due to their nutritional value and ease of growth. In fact, George Washington planted over 500 acres of oats. Today, oats are grown in a number of countries and climates, with Russia, Canada, Finland, Poland and the United States being the largest producers of these ancient grains.

Key Nutrients

Oats provide a healthy source of fiber, and especially B vitamins. Oats are also low in saturated and unsaturated fat content.

Health Benefits

Vitamin B1 – Thiamine is an important vitamin since it breaks down sugars in the body. Thiamine also helps to support nerve and heart health.

Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 helps to keep your immune system in good working order. It aids in the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and amino acids while helping to maintain the health of lymph nodes. Additionally, vitamin B6 helps to regulate blood glucose levels.

Vitamin B9 – Folate is an important vitamin for liver function.

Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12, or folic acid, helps to preserve neurological function and DNA synthesis. It also plays a key role in the health of red blood cells. The nervous system relies on vitamin B12 for proper function as well.
Dietary Fiber – Dietary Fiber stimulates digestion and peristalsis, helping to relieve indigestion and constipation problems.

Season

Since oats grow in 60 days, there can be two harvests per year. One being early summer, and the second being early fall. Since they store indefinitely, you can find oats year round in your supermarket.

Nutrition Information

Per 1/3 cup (27 grams):

Calories (cKal): 102
Protein (grams): 3.55
Total Fat (grams): 1.76
Carbohydrates (grams): 18.28
Fiber (grams): 2.7

Buying and Storing

There are no real issues to consider when buying oats besides making sure you are comfortable with the source and brand. They store for a very long time, just make sure to keep in a sealed container, and store for up to one year.
Best Way to Add to Diet
Oats make a great addition to a whole wheat bread or porridge recipe.