Eating Oat Morsels as a Healthier ‘Swallow’ For Diabetes and Weight Loss

Oat (Avena sativa) is a cereal grain that is low in calories and high in antioxidants and healthy fiber. It has been listed as one of the healthiest foods in the world. It is highly beneficial for individuals dealing with or trying to prevent diabetes, heart diseases or inflammatory conditions.

The health benefits of oats are many but I will list just a few below:

·         Lowers blood cholesterol levels

·         Stabilizes blood sugar levels

·         Lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes

·         Prevents or helps with cardiovascular disease

·         Helps with lowering blood pressure

·         Boosts immune system defence

·         Regulates bowel movement

·         Helps in weight control

Oats can be used to replace some of our African starchy foods especially for those trying to lose weight or dealing with diabetes and other conditions. Because of its high fiber content, you feel satiated faster while feeling full longer. The antioxidants in oats also help to fight many diseases.

Oats are prepared in so many ways but, because it is not indigenous to West Africa, we have just started to realize that it can be prepared into a paste like garri, amala, semolina, cassava fufu etc. In Nigeria, some grocery marts and supermarkets have started to sell the powder but it is still scarce.

Getting oat powder for yourself is fast and easy, just buy a few packets of oats and mill. Prepare the same way you would prepare semolina and you’ve got yourself a low calorie healthier ‘swallow’. The prepared paste is very smooth and light, with a delicious aroma and taste. Sooo Yummy! Lol!

Let us know about your outcome with oatmeal paste. Leave a comment or send an email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com.