OATS ADD WHOLE
GRAIN GOODNESS
Crunchy goodness, nutty flavor, nutrient
richness, and high fiber content have long made oats a breakfast
favorite. But this natural whole grain is versatile and economical
for other cooking purposes that shouldn't be overlooked.
Regular and quick-cooking oats are essentially
interchangeable, but regular oats add chewy texture and are ideal
for granola, cookies, desserts and pie crust. Quick-cooking oats,
cut into smaller flakes during processing, are less noticeable.
Six Nutritional Facts About Oats:
- Oats are high in carbohydrates for sustained
energy.
- Oats are a good source of dietary fiber,
assisting the digestive system and aiding in weight control.
- Oats contain water soluble fiber, which
has been shown to have beneficial effects on controlling blood
cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a low-fat, balanced
diet, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
- Oats are a low glycaemic index (GI) food.
Emphasizing foods with a low GI in the diet can help people with
diabetes control blood sugar levels.
- Oats provide zinc, which is needed for
growth, reproduction and good vision, as well as being essential
for wounds to heal properly.
- Oats also provide magnesium, iron, the
antioxidant Vitamin E and the vitamins niacin and thiamine.
A Clever Oats Tip:
For a nuttier flavor, use toasted oats
in recipes calling for oats. To toast, spread oats on a baking
sheet; bake at 350*F (180*C) for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Toasted oats turn a plain bowl of breakfast oatmeal into something
special (a favorite in my home). Toss in some raisins or chopped
dates and watch the smiles appear in your kitchen.
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