Have you ever wondered why oats are and have always been so popular? Oats are versatile, with countless ways to enjoy them. Oats have been around for centuries as a staple in many worldwide diets. They come in all shapes and sizes, and they provide an incredible source of energy and fuel. With so many benefits packed into this tiny, humble superfood, it’s no wonder people turn to oats during breakfast or any time of the day!
So let's get an oat-ucation on all things oats: what they are and where they come from; the different varieties available; their nutritional value; and some fun tidbits that will surprise you.
What Are Oats?
Oats are not just any ordinary cereal grain; they are the delicious seeds of the common oat (avena sativa). Oats are whole grain, which means they're high in fiber and offer B vitamins, vitamin E, healthy fats, and antioxidants. These amazing little powerhouses thrive in cool, damp climates like northwestern Europe, bringing a burst of energy to our breakfast bowls. And guess what? Other species of oats are reserved for our furry friends, like horses and cows. Yeah, oats are enjoyed by all kinds of "consumers."
Fun fact: Oats are champions of sustainability! They require a whopping 80% less water to grow compared to almonds.
Russia holds the crown as the ultimate oats source, responsible for nearly 20% of the world's production. And it's no wonder--with its perfect climate, oats thrive in Russia! Canada proudly takes second place, followed by Poland. In the United States, the oats-growing heroes are South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The Midwest is a regular oats factory!
So let's get an oat-ucation on all things oats: what they are and where they come from; the different varieties available; their nutritional value; and some fun tidbits that will surprise you.
A Brief History of Oats
Can you believe people have been enjoying oats for over 30,000 years? In the Middle East, oats may have just been considered a weed-like plant, but now we know better. The ancient Greeks and Romans recognized their edibility, even though they were mostly consumed by animals and peasants. But then, someone had a brilliant idea: Oats are actually pretty cool! Humans started cultivating them, and the Romans even brought them to Britain. In the Middle Ages, oats became a popular grain in Western Europe, used for animal feed, and even enjoyed by humans. But it wasn't until the 16th century that oats truly became a significant food source for us. The Scottish created a delicious dish called porridge, aka oatmeal, which soon spread across Europe and became a beloved breakfast staple.
Fun fact: Scottish and Dutch immigrants introduced oats and oats recipes to North America around the 1600s.
So Many Types
From classic oatmeal to overnight oats, there are so many ways to prepare oats and many types to choose from. The most whole form of oats is oat groats, which take a long time to cook. For this reason, many people prefer steel-cut, rolled, or quick oats. Steel-cut oats are minimally processed, making them hearty and satisfying. Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, are the most versatile of the bunch and can be used in everything, from cookies to granola bars to muffins. Yum!
Fun fact: Scottish and Dutch immigrants introduced oats and oats recipes to North America around the 1600s.
Overnight oats are a game-changer! They're simply oats left to soak overnight instead of cooking them in the morning. This makes them the ultimate choice for a quick and satisfying breakfast that will kick-start your day! For a tasty twist, try out organic quick oats, which are pre-cooked, dried, and rolled and pressed slightly thinner than organic rolled oats. They're ready to eat in just a couple of minutes. Did you know that oats can be transformed into organic oat flour, a fantastic gluten-free replacement for wheat flour? Not only that, but they can also be used to make delicious organic oat milk. Oatsome's organic oat milk is an excellent alternative to regular dairy milk.
So Many Benefits
Oats are incredibly nutrient-dense. They're a rich source of protein and several B vitamins. And this superstar grain is chock full of soluble fiber. One of the perks of soluble fiber is that your stomach feels fuller for longer, so you don't eat so much. That makes oats a superb choice for weight loss, not to mention that they're naturally low in calories. Plus, soluble fiber slows down the absorption of glucose, so you won't get the sugar highs and lows we all know so well. And one more thing: when you regularly consume oats, the soluble fiber helps reduce cholesterol, which lowers your chances of heart disease.
Fun fact: Oats boast the best amino acid balance among all cereal grains, making them a perfect choice as water-binding agents in skincare products!
If you're looking for a way to put more oats into your diet, consider trying oat milk. Oat milk ingredients include essential vitamins like vitamin D and vitamin B12, making it an excellent choice for anyone.
Conclusion
Agriculture is responsible for about 70% of freshwater use, with animal-based food a large component of that use. While adopting a plant-based diet, one consumes foods that require less freshwater use. This study mentioned that freshwater use could be decreased by about 50% by adapting more sustainable dietary choices.
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