The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a new wave of health consciousness which has caused a shift in food preferences and eating habits for 81% of global consumers (Mintel).
Oats was one of the foods which has experienced a growth in demand as consumers seek out healthy breakfast options and zero-cholesterol diets. According to a series of medical studies and randomized controlled trials, oat -glucan fibers were shown to reduce total and LDL Cholesterols levels in subjects with elevated cholesterol and proved to be an effective alternative to Statins – reaffirming the ancient and famous Hippocrates quote – “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
Oats are considered to be one of the healthiest grains for the human diet as they are rich in fibers, proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The World Health Organization lists oats on their website, as part of a healthy diet. Several other in-vitro studies have also shown that consumption of oats have several other health benefits besides cholesterol management, such as lowering blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and aiding in weight loss.
Oats are often prepared by boiling and then adding milk and fruits. However these are sweet oat recipes which contains sugars and lactose and as consumers veer more towards healthier eating they are seeking out healthier but flavorful options for their morning meals.
