Should I eat oats every day?

Mar 22

Wondering whether oats should become a staple in your daily diet? You're not alone. Numerous studies have highlighted the myriad benefits associated with their consumption.

The Merry Mill is running a 30-day challenge, where participants eat oats as part of one meal a day and at the end share how it impacts their well-being.

Through this challenge, we're inviting participants to experience firsthand the health and well-being improvements that come from incorporating oats into their daily routines. Oats are a super food after all! If you would like to take part in the 30 day Challenge, email info@themerrymill.ie.

There is significant research into the health benefits of eating oats as part of a balanced diet. Let's delve into some of these findings together.

Health Benefits of Oats

The consumption of oats has been determined to be beneficial for human health by promoting immune response and improving gut microbiota. In addition, oat consumption assists in preventing diseases such as atherosclerosis, dermatitis, and some forms of cancer. Much evidence points to the beneficial effects of oats in the reduction of cardiovascular disease risks, dermatologic disorders, inflammation, and type-2 diabetes, and these effects are mostly associated with OBG (Research Paper).

It has been established that the consumption of at least 3 g per day of oat β-glucan can achieve a reduction in LDL cholesterol of up to 10% and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 20% (Research Paper).

This study suggests that a diet including oatmeal instead of white bread or eggs for breakfast is associated with a lower rate of total stroke, ischemic stroke, and ischemic stroke due to small-artery occlusion, and a diet including oatmeal instead of eggs is associated with a lower rate of total hemorrhagic stroke. The findings suggest that a diet containing oatmeal instead of white bread or eggs may be associated with a lower rate of stroke. (Research paper).

If we the growers and the scientists haven’t convinced you, the chances are you’re not adding oats to recipes you enjoy. Check out our recipes blog for inspiration.

We are also collaborating with three Irish Health and Wellbeing advocates on Instagram to share recipes for the challenge:

Catherine O’Keefe (Wellness Warrior)