Because available research specific to oats is limited, most of the studies below assessed whole grain intake, which included several types of whole grains in addition to oats. Therefore, the findings cannot be applied to oats alone. Heart Disease: Oats are associated with heart health benefits, but research shows differing degrees of benefit.
This of course begs the inquiry “What is the difference between whole and rolled oats?”
One way to think about this is as a whole grain, oats are nutritious, and add bulk and richness to many foods. Add them to cookies or meatloaf, or eat them on their own. Types of oats are named for the way they are prepared before being dried and sold. Both whole and rolled oats can be used in cooking, although rolled oats have a softer texture. What’s the Difference?
What are the healthiest oats to eat?
Oat groats: These are among the healthiest varieties and are lower on the glycemic index than more processed oats. While they aren’t as easy to find in every grocery store, oat groats are whole oat kernels that have been cleaned and removed of their inedible hulls — consider them the edible version of what you’d find in an oat field!
You might be asking “What is the best type of oatmeal to eat?”
For this reason, most people prefer rolled, crushed or steel-cut oats. Instant (quick) oats are the most highly processed variety. While they take the shortest time to cook, the texture may be mushy. Oats are commonly eaten for breakfast as oatmeal, which is made by boiling oats in water or milk.
What is the best way to eat oatmeal?
While more processed oatmeal is generally safe to eat raw, cooking your oatmeal or preparing overnight oats is probably your best (and tastiest) option. Soak or steam your oatmeal with hot water or your milk of choice and toss in some healthy fruit, recommends the Harvard School of Public Health.
What oats can you eat raw?
Rolled oats can be pressed into flatter, thinner grains, such as those from Quaker Oats (labeled “traditional”) or slightly thicker grains (labeled “thick-cut” rolled oats). EATING ROLLED OATS ‘RAW’ When it comes to rolled oats, they are usually all okay to eat “raw.”.
This of course begs the question “Is it safe to eat ‘raw’ oats?”
The answer is ‘yes’ for traditional rolled oats you find in large paperboard canisters in the grocery store. Rolled oats have been steamed and heated in processing; steps that destroy pathogens and help to ensure safety.
What is the raw form of an oat?
From there, the grain is heated and cooled to make an oat groat—considered the most “raw” form of an oat you can buy. Groats are then either rolled by machine (giving us rolled oats) or cut and broken into smaller pieces (giving us steel-cut and Scottish oats). Rolled oats can be pressed into flatter, thinner grains,.
Instant (quick) oats are the most highly processed variety. While they take the shortest time to cook, the texture may be mushy. Oats are commonly eaten for breakfast as oatmeal, which is made by boiling oats in water or milk. Oatmeal is often referred to as porridge.