There are many types of oats that you’re probably familiar with.
There’s the classic rolled-cut oat, the quick oat, and even the steel-cut oat.
Don’t get us wrongoatmeal is still incredibly healthy for you!
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What are oat groats?
“Oat groats are the healthiest way to eat oats.
Quick oats, rolled oats and steel-cut oats all start out as oat groats,” says Gentile.
“Oat groats are whole oat kernels that have been cleaned and treated with heat and moisture.
This increases shelf life, flavor development, phenolic content, andantioxidantactivity.
In the production of oat groats, only their loose hulls are removed.
Groats still contain the intact germ, endosperm, and bran.”
Why are oat groats considered the best oatmeal to eat?
Because oat groats are minimally processed, they contain the most nutritional value compared to other oat varieties.
“The least processed oats will take the longest to be digested,” says Gentile.
“This equates to a slower rise in blood sugar and a lower glycemic index.
The next healthiest form of oats is steel-cut.
Steel-cut oats are oat groats that are cut into a few smaller pieces using a steel blade.
Especially if you top your bowl of oat groats with the right sorts of add-ons.
“Adding protein can also decrease the glycemic index.
This can be in the form of low-fat milk or with the addition of nuts.
Top with some flaxseeds or chia seeds for healthy fat and you have yourself a superfood.”
