Product Description
Oats are an extremely valuable grain, rich in protein and fiber. It retains its nutritional values even after processing. It is easy to prepare and versatile, making it no surprise why it has become and remained one of the most beloved breakfast dishes in Anglo-Saxon territories. It is also not surprising that in recent years it has been gaining popularity in Hungary as well. It simply never gets old!
Oat flakes are carefully produced from selected whole oat grains. Contrary to its name, they are not actually "flaked", but produced by steaming and then flattening, preserving all the valuable nutrients in the oat flakes and unlike other cereal flakes, they do not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.
While oats and products made from them do not contain gluten, they are often grown and processed alongside wheat, rye, and barley, making them easily contaminated with gluten. If you have gluten sensitivity, it is advisable to buy oat flakes labeled as gluten-free.
Fun fact: In the United States, October 29th is designated as National Oatmeal Day to raise awareness about the beneficial health effects of people's favorite breakfast meal.
Importance, impacts:
Oatmeal contains complex carbohydrates in the highest amount, which are slowly absorbed and do not raise blood sugar levels suddenly. Proteins and fibers also help in this, so oatmeal can be consumed even in case of blood sugar problems. Thanks to its high fiber content, oatmeal helps prevent constipation and reduce the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer, and the soluble fibers called beta-glucans play an important role in reducing blood cholesterol levels. Another advantage is that fibers increase the feeling of fullness, which can delay the next mealtime and reduce the amount to be consumed. In case of a diet, it is worth taking advantage of this favorable property of oatmeal.
Oats contain some active ingredients that play a role in reducing blood pressure, so it is advisable to include them in the diet even in case of high blood pressure, especially if weight loss is also needed. The antioxidants in oats help reduce itching, inflammation, and contribute to the beauty of the skin.
Usage:
Oatmeal is most commonly consumed as porridge, with everyone having their own favorite, fastest, simplest, and least messy way of preparing it. An ideal serving size is around 25-30g of oatmeal cooked in one and a half to two times the amount of water or plant-based milk with continuous stirring for 5-10 minutes. Another simple method is soaking the same amount of oatmeal in liquid overnight and reheating it in the morning. The possibilities for flavoring are endless, including sweet, savory, with dried or fresh fruits, coconut chips, carob powder, or simply enjoyed plain.
Oat flakes are often used for making cookies, biscuits, but can also be soaked for meatballs, fillings, and can be used for breading.