Oat Bran has many health and nutrition benefits.
Oats are considered one of the most nutritious grains because they are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
After harvesting the oat grain ( Avena Sativa), it is removed from its outer hull and processed. The oat groat is then removed and used to make oatmeal.
Oat bran, the outer layer of an oat groat, is located just below the inedible shell. Oat groats, steel-cut oats, and steel-cut bran naturally contain bran. However, oat bran can also be sold as a separate product.
Many health benefits are linked to oat bran, including improved blood sugar control, healthy bowel function and lower blood pressure.
These are the health and nutrition benefits of oatmeal bran.
Packed with Nutrients
Oat bran is a nutritious and balanced food.
Oat bran has the same carbs as regular oatmeal but contains more fiber and protein than regular oatmeal. It contains a high amount of beta-glucan, an important type of soluble fiber.
One cup (219g) of cooked oatmeal bran contains:
- Calories: 88
- Protein: 7 grams
- Carbs25 grams
- Fat 2 Grams
- Fiber: 6 Grams
- Thiamine 29% Reference Daily Intake (RDI).
- Magnesium 21% RDI
- Phosphorus 21% RDI
- Iron 11% RDI
- Zinc 11% RDI
- Riboflavin 6% RDI
- Potassium 4% RDI
Oat bran also contains small amounts of folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B6, and niacin.
It is high in nutrients and low in calories, making it very nutritionally dense.
High in Antioxidants
Oat bran is rich in polyphenols. These are plant-based molecules that act like antioxidants.
Antioxidants protect the body from potentially dangerous molecules known as “free radicals”. Free radicals in high quantities can cause cell damage, which is linked to chronic illnesses.
Oat bran has a higher level of antioxidants than other parts of the oat grains. It is also a good source of phytic, ferulic, and powerful avenanthramides.
May Lower Heart Disease Risk Factors
Around one-third of all deaths are caused by heart disease.
Heart health is influenced by diet. Certain foods can impact your body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease.
Oat bran can help lower certain risk factors such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
It’s rich in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that dissolves into water to form a viscous gel-like substance in the digestive tract.
May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels
Type 2 Diabetes is a serious health problem that has an impact on more than 400 million people.
This disease can make it difficult for people to manage their blood sugar. Poor blood sugar control can cause blindness, heart attacks and strokes.
Consuming foods high in soluble fiber, such as oat bran, may help to control blood sugar.
Beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that slows the absorption and digestion of carbs in your digestive tract, stabilizes blood sugar levels.