Oats are a genus of plants in the Poaceae family, used as food and forage. Although oats did not have the importance of wheat or barley in early times, in Central Asia it was cultivated in good quantity, although it was considered a weed for those. Archaeological searches found evidence of the use of oats in Central Europe in the Bronze Age. Grains of this cereal were also found in Egyptian excavations, although it could not be proved that it was cultivated.
Summary
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- 1 Taxonomy
- 2 Etymology
- 3 Description
- 4 benefits
- 5 Contraindications of oats
- 6 Species
- 7 Sources
Taxonomy
The genus was described by Carlos Linneo and published in Species Plantarum 1: 79–81. 1753. The type species is: Avena fatua.
Etymology
Avena: generic name derived from the Latin avena = (food) and the name of the avena, Avena sativa.
Description
It is an annual herbaceous plant, belonging to the grass family. The most cultivated species are Avena sativa and Avena byzantina, in that order.
It is rich in proteins of high biological value, fats and a large number of vitamins and minerals. It is the cereal with the highest proportion of vegetable fat, 65% unsaturated fat and 35% linoleic acid. It also contains easily absorbed carbohydrates, in addition to sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and E. It also contains a good amount of fibers, which are not so important as nutrients but that contribute to good intestinal function. Oatmeal also contains small amounts of gluten, so it cannot be used as an alternative cereal for the celiac diet.
It is a plant with reticular roots, powerful and more abundant than in other cereals. Its stem is thick and straight with little resistance to overturning, its length can vary from 50 cm to one and a half meters. Its leaves are flat and elongated, with a narrow and long dark green limbus. Its flowers appear in spikes of two or three of them.
It is a plant that has less resistance to cold than barley and wheat. It is sown in early spring, to be harvested in late summer. It is demanding in water due to its high transpiration coefficient, although excess can harm it. It is very sensitive to drought, especially in the grain formation period.
Because the reticular system of oats is deeper, it can take better advantage of the nutrients in the soil, therefore it requires less fertilizers for its development.
Benefits
A fasting oatmeal infusion to lower cholesterol, a cup of cereal mixed with milk and a touch of cinnamon to give energy and end anemia, mixed with other cereals and nuts at breakfast to promote intestinal work and end Stomach heaviness, oatmeal is not only versatile and delicious, but a powerful ally to take care of your health.
It is low in calories: two tablespoons have only 100 calories. It is also rich in amino acids, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and fiber. Oats have been eaten since ancient times and are considered one of the most complete and healthy cereals that exist. Not for nothing is it considered a super food with multiple beneficial properties.
1.- It is purifying The amino acids in oats stimulate the production of lecithin by the liver, which in turn favors the total purification of your body. Consuming oatmeal helps to clean the walls of the arteries, since the fiber drags the fat deposits that form in them.
2.- Helps control sugar If you have diabetes, oatmeal is a vital food in your diet. The soluble fiber of its composition helps digestion of starch and to maintain stable blood glucose levels, especially after meals.
3.- Improves digestion The insoluble fiber of oats contributes to the reduction of bile acids, facilitates intestinal transit and prevents constipation. It is also rich in slowly absorbing carbohydrates that help maintain the feeling of satiety for a longer time, making it an indispensable companion if the goal is to lose a few extra pounds.
4.- It has high value proteins Oats have 8 essential amino acids, which make it an important source of proteins of high biological value. Combined with milk, its value is comparable to that of other proteins such as meat or fish, a quality that is of great help in the formation of new tissues in the body.
5.- It is anti-cancer Several investigations carried out in the United States have determined that the phytochemicals present in oat bran are protective weapons against cancer. Consuming oatmeal daily reduces the chance of colon and breast cancer by 10%.
6.- It is good for the heart Oatmeal is rich in omega 6 and linoleic acid, the so-called good fats, which favor the reduction of bad or LDL cholesterol and the activity of the heart and brain.
Contraindications of oats
The consumption of oats does not present any risk to people. A side effect of oatmeal consumption may be gas production and a bloated stomach.
It is very important to make sure you chew the oatmeal sufficiently since not doing so could cause blockages in the intestine. If you suffer from identified digestive disorders in the stomach, esophagus or intestines, it is better to avoid consuming oatmeal, subject to consulting a doctor and opting otherwise, since there is the possibility that poor digestion causes oats to obstruct the intestine.
Species
- Avena abyssinica
- Barbata oats
- Brevis oatmeal
- Fatua oatmeal
- Maroccana oatmeal
- Oatmeal nuda
- Avena occidentalis
- Oats pubescens
- Avena pratensis
- Avena sativa
- Avena sterilis
- Oat strigosa
