Oatmeal, rich in key vitamins and minerals, easy to digest and full of other nutrients, is today a favorite part of various muesli meals and one of the most commonly used cereals for preparing a tasty, healthy, easily digestible and nutritious breakfast. However, the nutritional and health benefits of oats do not stop at preparing an excellent morning meal. Oats have been part of the diet for centuries and can be used in many different ways.
Oats entered the world of muesli in a big way, when it was introduced by the Swiss doctor Maximilian Bircher Benner at the beginning of the last century. He included raw rolled oats and other whole grains, soaked in water, milk, juice or yogurt, as an excellent and beneficial breakfast meal. If desired, nuts, dried and fresh fruits, spices can be added to such a meal and many creative and above all healthy combinations are obtained for a good start to the day. However, oats are also a very healthy and medicinal plant, which is somewhat less known than its nutritional value.
Medicinal properties of oats
Oats are an easily digestible cereal and have characteristics that make them a medicinal food. In addition to providing the optimal amount of nutrients and serving as an excellent base for various meals, especially muesli and porridge, oats also have other characteristics that allow them to act as medicine.
Oats contain proteins, vitamins and minerals, the most important of which are vitamins of the B complex and the minerals calcium, magnesium, sodium, silicon, iron, manganese, copper and zinc. It also contains flavonoids, potassium salt, starch and sugar. It is on the list of the twenty healthiest foods in the world and is used in the form of flakes, bran, as a whole grain or flour. It is recommended in the diet of all ages and for people of all health conditions, it is not expensive and is easily available to everyone. Here is what all this is good and useful for.
Strengthening the organism – Oats contain many vital substances for human health and are excellent as a natural immune booster, good for weak and tired people, anemic patients, malnourished and weak children.
Hormonal balance – Oats stimulate the work of the prostate gland, and it has been shown to regulate the amount of estrogen. It is also known as a tonic for the uterus, so it is also used as a medicine against infertility and impotence.
Cardiovascular health – Recent research has shown that oats help regulate blood cholesterol levels, thus helping to regulate blood pressure and obesity, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Hemorrhoids and varicose veins – It has also been shown that oats can reduce the problems caused by the appearance of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Diabetes – Oats also reduce blood sugar levels, making them a suitable food for diabetics. It is also a good food for regulating body weight, because it has a positive effect on the level of harmful substances in the blood, stimulates the metabolism of food, and gives a long feeling of satiety.
Digestion – Oats are rich in vegetable fibers, thanks to which they encourage more regular and healthy digestion, and help purify the body, while not irritating the intestines and reducing their exposure to carcinogenic substances. It is considered to protect against colon cancer, and due to its easy digestibility, it is also recommended in the diet during recovery from illness, childbirth, as well as for people suffering from chronic diseases.
Recipes with oats
Apart from oatmeal, which is a regular ingredient in various muesli meals, oats can be used in other ways in the diet, as a medicine and as a raw material for food preparation.
Medicinal oat tea – Oat tea is prepared very often and is useful for alleviating and treating numerous mentioned ailments. This drink contains all the nutrients from the grain itself, and in its preparation it is important not to cook it longer than the prescribed time, because otherwise it loses its healing properties and nutrients. It is usually prepared in one liter of water, so that a quantity of several cups is made for one whole day. It’s necessary:
- 1 tablespoon of unshelled oats
- 1 liter of water
Wash the oat seeds with cold water and pour a liter of cold water over them. Cook until boiling and another five minutes on reduced heat. Leave the finished tea to cool for about an hour, strain and consume. If desired, sweeten with honey.
Strengthening Elixir – Oats are full of useful and nutritious ingredients, which is why they encourage the strengthening of the immune system, help recovery and give energy. It can be used to prepare an excellent natural tonic for strengthening the entire organism. It’s necessary:
- 1 kg of unshelled oats
- 3 liters of water
Wash the oats well and simply boil them in three liters of water. Strain the liquid and consume sweetened with honey. Oat water is full of vital ingredients that protect health and the body.
Oatmeal for a slim line – Oatmeal promotes weight loss, because it is full of vegetable fibers that swell in the liquid and allow easier cleaning of the intestines, and at the same time give a long feeling of satiety, so they exclude the need for additional bites and prevent sudden attacks of hunger. Here is how it is prepared. Needed for one meal:
- 50 g of oatmeal
- 1 teaspoon of flaxseed
- 1 handful of dried fruit as desired
- Water or milk
Grind flakes and flax seeds, then add dried fruit, for example cranberries. Pour over warm water or milk, regular, soy, almond or any other as desired. Wait for this to absorb the liquid. You can also add some fresh fruit and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Healthy oatmeal cookies – Oats are also excellent for preparing healthy desserts. They are rich in dietary fiber and other useful nutrients from oats. This recipe does not contain the addition of sugar, fat or any other harmful ingredients, and is excellent for all directions in the diet and for all health conditions, as well as for a slim line. It’s necessary:
- Oatmeal
- Ripe bananas
Determine the quantities arbitrarily, depending on the desired amount of biscuits. Mash the banana and mix with the flakes, so that the mixture can be separated with a spoon, like a measure for one cookie. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and bake for up to fifteen minutes, being careful not to burn.
