It's winter (almost) in most parts of northern India, and you know what it means: cold, foggy mornings, chilly nights, and a lot of sniffling. This is the time when you must ensure that your bodies stay warm to fight the biting cold. One simple, but no less effective, way is by including oats in your diet. These winter superfoods are not only delicious, but also packed with fibre, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins. They can lower your cholesterol, boost your immune system, and prevent constipation. Plus, they are so easy to prepare and versatile.
Says renowned celebrity chef Kunal Kapur, "Oats may seem like a basic grain, but they are one of the most sought-after ingredients that provide wholesome nutritious recipes in cold weather. They are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and high fibre content — a combination that keeps us fuller for longer durations, crucial during the winter months. Moreover, oats work great to support immune function — a crucial factor as wintertime increases the likelihood of falling sick."
Be it relishing a simple, steaming bowl of porridge or elevating its nutritional value by adding superfoods like dates, chia seeds, or seasonal berries, oats stand as a versatile and essential element in crafting healthy, comforting winter meals.
Here are five reasons why you should include oats in your diet:
Good for immunity: Oats play a huge role in boosting the body's immune response, crucial during the cold season when the risk of falling ill is high. Rich in beta-glucans, a type of soluble fibre, oats support the immune system by enhancing its response to bacterial infections and viruses.
Helps sustain energy: Its high fibre and complex carbohydrate content makes oats an ideal source of energy. The gradual breakdown of these complex carbohydrates helps stabilise blood sugar levels, ensuring a consistent supply of energy and warmth all day long. Moreover, the presence of B vitamins in oats helps in energy metabolism, thus optimising the body's utilisation of nutrients for energy production.
Loaded with nutrition: Oats are packed with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contain nutrients like manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron that help keep bones strong, muscles working well, and carry oxygen all over the body. Special antioxidants in oats, such as avenanthramides, reduce inflammation and protect your heart.
Aids in improving digestion: The fibre content in oats plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health, especially during winters when digestive issues tend to surface. Oats have two types of fibre - soluble and insoluble - which help in keeping bowel movements regular and avoid constipation. Plus, the beta-glucans in oats act like food for the good bacteria in your gut, making your tummy environment healthy and helping your body absorb nutrients better.
Versatility in cooking: Oats' versatility in cooking allows for an extensive range of culinary possibilities. From hearty breakfast bowls to soups and baked goods, oats seamlessly integrate into various comforting winter dishes. Their ability to absorb flavours and textures makes them a go-to ingredient for both sweet and savoury recipes, offering not only nutritional benefits but also adding depth and richness to winter meals.
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