One bowl a day: Oats may help keep heart attack and stroke away
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Heart health has become a major concern today. Due to changing lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, stress, and lack of physical activity, high cholesterol has become a common problem. This high cholesterol gradually accumulates in the heart's arteries, leading to serious illnesses like heart attacks and strokes. In such a situation, people are becoming dependent on medications, but both Ayurveda and modern science believe that eating the right food can prevent many diseases from the root. One of these is oats, which is easily digestible and maintains balance in the body.
A bowl of oats daily helps eliminate excess fat and toxins from the body. It strengthens the digestive system and maintains the balance of the doshas in the body. Ayurveda believes that when digestion is healthy, bad cholesterol in the body is automatically controlled.
Scientifically, oats contain a special fiber called beta-glucan. This fiber forms a gel-like layer in the stomach. This layer reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. This gradually reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and improves heart artery function.
Oats are beneficial not only for cholesterol but also for the entire body. They contain a good amount of protein, which strengthens muscles and provides energy. Furthermore, the carbohydrates in them provide energy slowly, keeping you full for longer and preventing frequent hunger pangs. This is why oats are considered a great option for those trying to lose weight.
Oats also contain many essential vitamins and minerals. They contain iron, which helps combat anemia. Magnesium and potassium help maintain a balanced heartbeat. Zinc and antioxidants strengthen the body's immune system, making it more capable of fighting disease.
Oats are also important for heart health because they help maintain blood sugar levels. Oats are digested slowly, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar. This is why oats are considered a safe and beneficial food for diabetics. When both sugar and cholesterol are controlled, the risk of heart disease is significantly reduced.
Ayurveda believes that oats cleanse the body from within. They remove impurities from the intestines and improve metabolism. When the body's metabolism is healthy, fat is not stored and cholesterol levels remain balanced. This is why people who regularly eat oats are less likely to suffer from heart problems.