Oatmeal and granola are one of the most popular breakfast foods in the world. Not only is it highly nutritious, but it’s also very tasty, like Organic Paleo Dark Chocolate granola.
Oats are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients. One cup of cooked oats contains 11 grams of protein, 45 grams of fiber, and 20% of your daily vitamin A needs. They also contain 35% of your daily vitamin B-6 needs, 27% of your daily magnesium needs, and 43% of your daily selenium needs.
But, where do oats come from? How can you enjoy oats? Let’s talk about it in this guide!
Oats, formally named Avena sativa, is a type of cereal grain from the Poaceae grass family of plants. The grain refers specifically to the edible seeds of oat grass, which is what ends up in our breakfast bowls.
Where Do Oats Come From?
Oats are the seed of the Avena Sativa plant, which grows year-round in fields that look like wheat and barley fields. Avena Sativa is a type of grass that is specifically grown for the cereal grain seed.
If you know what to look for, the Avena Sativa plant is easy to spot. Depending on the time of year, they’re either green or brown in color, and they have husks that dangle off the main stock.
When the Sativa plant is mature and ready to harvest, farmers collect the seeds that are protected by the outer hull. Inside the husk lies the bran and the germ, and beneath these layers, you’ll find the seeds.
The hull is basically inedible and needs to be removed from all types of commercially sold oats. Once the seeds are removed, they’re flattened or cooked to different degrees depending on the desired outcome.
Oats vs. Wheat: What’s the Difference?
Many people think oats come from wheat, but this is not the case. While oats and wheat both come from a cereal grain grass, they’re of a different species.
Oats are also gluten-free, so they’re safe to eat for those with a gluten allergy or gluten intolerance. Additionally, raw oats are generally considered safe for people to eat, but if you have a severe gluten allergy, you should always check the package. Look for items that say “certified gluten-free” when purchasing oat products.
Oats are also usually consumed as a whole grain, while wheat is typically ground up into flour to make other wheat products (such as crackers).
When it comes to nutritional value, oats and wheat have a similar makeup, but oats have a slight edge over wheat. Oats have a higher level of protein, healthy fats, and fiber than wheat does. Oats also contain more vitamins and minerals.
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, oats contain a good amount of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
How does the nutritional content of oats help improve your health? Here are some of the main benefits of consuming oats:
Oats contain an impressive amount of antioxidants. Avenathramides are one of the most notable groups of antioxidants found in oats. They help to lower your blood pressure by increasing nitrous oxide production. These antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects.
Oats also contain a very important type of fiber called beta-glucan. This is a soluble fiber that can help reduce your cholesterol levels, reduce blood sugar and insulin response, and increase your feelings of fullness.
Story Of Oats: Growing
FAQ
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