Oat are a nutritious wholegrain that can be consumed in many ways. Oats are a source of dietary fibre including beta-glucans which can help reduce cholesterol (you need to consume around 3g of beta-glucans a day to see a drop). Oat also contains vitamins and minerals such as manganese, magnesium, potassium, molybdenum, vitamin B1, biotin, copper, phosphorus amongst others.
Oats are traditionally know as a ‘porridge’ ingredient but they can be used in many other ways. Why not try using them in some of the following:
- Muesli: Muesli is so delicious. Simply add milk to it or add it on top of yoghurt for a delicious breakfast or snack. Here’s a great recipe for Homemade Muesli
- Overnight oats: If you don’t have time to cook porridge in the morning but like a porridge like breakfast – try adding milk or water to your oats and putting in the fridge to soak overnight. Then will absorb the liquid and soften. In the morning simply top with your favourite ingredients e.g. seeds, chopped nuts, coconut shreds and fruit.
- Smoothies: It will not only add some nutrition but fibre, texture and thickness too. Here’s a recipe
- Bakery goods: Add oats to replace some of the flour when baking. You can grind the oats to a powder to make oat flour or use as is. You may need to add a bit more liquid to keep the item moist. They are also great in cookies. Here’s a delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie recipe.
- Bars: e.g. muesli, nut, seed or fruit bars: If you like to make these bars at home, add some oats to them.
- Homemade pancakes: If you like making pancakes at home you could replace some of the flour with oat flour or just sprinkle some on top when you pour the batter in the pan.
- Yoghurt & oats: Oats and yoghurt go well together. Most people will have muesli but you could just simply add oats.
As you can see oats are very nutritious and versatile so why not look at where you can add them in.
