Oats are a cost effective way to improve overall health and longevity. They are definitely an overlooked super food. Used as a topical remedy or eaten as a meal, oats are versatile in their ability to improve your health.
Oats are a very good source of fiber and are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contain manganese, phosphorus, copper, vitamin B1, iron, selenium, magnesium, and zinc.
Eating oats have been linked to lowering cholesterol and reducing your risk of heart disease. Choose the gluten free variety, especially if you have any gluten sensitivities. They are also great snacks for the bacteria in your intestinal tract. Increasing your intake of oats feeds the good bacteria in your body and raises your F/B ratio. This is the amount of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes in your gut, and higher ratios have been linked to optimal gut health.
Adding a scoop to your smoothie or protein shake is an easy way to increase your daily intake. Recipes like delicious energy balls use oats as their main ingredient. Some baking recipes may even allow for oat flour as a flour substitute. Steel cut is another variety that may be worth exploring.
Oats and Skin Care
When used on the skin, oats have powerful healing effects. Traditionally used as a soothing agent, they are an inexpensive skin care option. Don’t you remember taking oatmeal baths as a kid when you had the chickenpox? They are coarse which helps remove dead skin cells, but they also retain moisture which can moisturize your skin.
To use on your skin, here is an easy face mask: Combine 1/4 cup ground oats with 2-3 Tbsp of water. Mix together until it forms a smooth paste and spread the mixture on your face avoiding your eyes. Leave the paste on your face for 15 minutes then rinse with warm water.
Dr Spencer Charlet
Mooresville Chiropractor
704-663-7625
