Oats are one of the most nutritious foods on earth. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that help keep your body healthy.
Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol levels in your blood. It also contains antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body.
These free radicals can cause damage to cells and DNA. When we eat oats, it’s usually in the form of oat bran or rolled oats. Here’s a question, though: can you eat raw oats? Let’s find out!
What Are Raw Oats?
Raw oats are simply unprocessed oats. This means they haven’t been cooked at all. The only thing that has happened to them is drying. You can buy these oats in bulk from health food stores and most grocery stores.
Can You Eat Raw Oats?
Yes! You can eat raw oats. In fact, they’re quite delicious when eaten this way. Raw oats have been around for centuries.
The ancient Greeks were known to enjoy them as porridge. However, there was no need to cook them, because they contain enough enzymes to break down their starches into simple sugars.
So if you want to know whether you can eat raw oats, then yes, you can. But before you grab a bag and start munching, let’s talk about what makes oats so good for us.
What Makes Oats Good For Us?
Oats are high in soluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance. This gel slows digestion and increases absorption of food.
As a result, it keeps your digestive system working smoothly. That means less bloating and cramping after eating.
Oats are full of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates include starch, sugar, and fiber. Fiber is an important part of any diet. It helps you feel fuller longer and helps you stay regular.
Oats are loaded with beta-glucans, a type of dietary fiber. Beta-glucans are polysaccharides found in plants. Polysaccharides are long chains of sugar molecules joined together by chemical bonds.
Oats are rich in magnesium. Magnesium plays many roles in our bodies; it helps regulate heart rate and muscle contraction, and it promotes bone health and aids sleep. It also helps maintain normal nerve function.
But raw oats aren’t just great for us; they’re also delicious!
What Do Raw Oats Taste Like?
You may be surprised at how much better raw oats taste than cooked oats. For example, raw oats are crunchy and chewy. Cooked oats tend to get mushy and lose some of their texture.
Plus, raw oats are more filling. If you’ve ever tried eating a bowl of cooked oatmeal, you’ll notice that it leaves you feeling hungry again soon. On the other hand, raw oats leave you satisfied.
Should You Eat Raw Oats For Breakfast?
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, then raw oats might just be a perfect choice. Just remember that they aren’t very portable.
You won’t be able to carry them with you everywhere you go like a piece of toast or a cereal bar.
However, raw oats make a great addition to smoothies. Add them to your favorite fruit and nut mixture and blend up a creamy treat. Or add them to a salad for a crunchy topping. Either way, you’ll love the flavor.
Preparing Raw Oats
To prepare raw oats, simply soak them overnight in hot water. Then drain and rinse them before using. Then, to store them, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will keep for several weeks. It’s as simple as that!
Are There Any Health Benefits Of Eating Raw Oats?
There are plenty of benefits to eating raw oats. First off, they’re packed with nutrients. They’re a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
They’re also low in calories and fat. Plus, they contain all nine essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are proteins that must come from food sources. They help build strong muscles and bones.
Raw oats also contain phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are plant compounds that protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease.
They may even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies suggest that people who regularly consume foods containing these compounds live longer.
Downsides Of Eating Raw Oats
While raw oats are wonderful, they do have drawbacks. Most notably, they don’t travel well. They’re not meant to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Instead, they should only be kept on the countertop.
Also, raw oats can cause flatulence if eaten too quickly. In fact, this is one reason why most people prefer cooked oats over raw oats. The gelatinous consistency makes them easier to digest.
Finally, raw oats can cause stomach upset because they contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and certain types of oats.
People with celiac disease shouldn’t eat raw oats. However, those without celiac disease can enjoy them.
Surprising Facts About Uncooked Oats
Did you know that unprocessed oats actually have more nutrients than processed ones? That’s right.
According to the USDA, whole grains have twice the amount of antioxidants as refined grains. Whole grain oats also have three times the amount of beta-glucan compared to refined oats.
Beta-glucans are soluble fibers that lower cholesterol levels.
Whole grain oats also have higher amounts of magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, selenium, and vitamin B6 than their refined counterparts.
So, next time you want to grab some oatmeal, try opting for the whole-grain variety.
Final Thoughts
Oats are a versatile ingredient. You can use them to create delicious desserts, savory dishes, and healthy snacks. You could try adding them to salads, stir-fries, soups, and stews, and they’re also perfect for baking!
While raw oats may not be the most popular breakfast option or snack choice, there are actually many health benefits to eating raw oats, and it’s perfectly safe to eat them.
So if you want to try incorporating raw oats into your diet, head over to your local grocery store or health store, pick up a bag and try using them in a range of dishes.
From breakfasts and lunches to desserts and dinners, the list is endless.
Through Addicted To Veggies, I want to share with you my favorite raw recipes. From brownie recipes, to recipes containing pumpkin, my site is full of delicious and wonderful options to consider.
- Can You Eat Sunflower Seeds And Pumpkin Seeds Together? - December 19, 2022
- Vegan Traeger Recipes for Beginners - November 22, 2022
- Is Caviar Vegetarian? - November 3, 2022
