A new study presented at the American Association of Cereal Chemists International annual meeting in Albuquerque reveals that oats can play an important role in improving diet quality and supporting human health, leading to suggestion that it may deserve the well-earned status of 'super grain.'
As a part of the Quaker Oats Center of Excellence's aim to elevate the relevance and benefits of oats through science, agriculture and innovation, YiFang Chu, Ph.D., PepsiCo R&D Nutrition, shared new data about antioxidants in oats (Avena sativa L.) and their role in human health. In the session, "Antioxidants in Grains and Health: Is there a Linkage?" Chu emphasized that oats are a nutritious whole grain with evidence to show that oats are even more complex than previously thought. They possess a wide spectrum of biologically active compounds including carotenoids, tocols (Vitamin E), flavonoids and avenanthramides - a class of polyphenols.
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"The polyphenols, avenanthramides, are unique to oats and have been widely used in skincare products because of their anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects," says Chu. "As scientists continue to link inflammation to chronic diseases, they are also investigating whether bioactivities produced by the polyphenols in oats can be as beneficial from within the body as they are on the skin." There are over 25 different biologically active avenanthramides in oats that look similar chemically, but behave differently. Therefore, adds Chu, "compared to the bioactive compounds identified in other grains—like wheat and rye—oats may be more bioavailable and possess more anti-inflammatory properties."
Source: Eurekalert
Macrobiotic Diet
Macrobiotics is an Oriental theory that lays down guidelines for promoting well-being and longevity through systematic diet consisting mainly of whole grains and beans.
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