We love celebrating National Oatmeal Cookie Day every year because oats are at the heart ❤️ of every Kakookies. This year, we are all experiencing different circumstances, but one thing that hasn’t changed: the all around goodness brought to you from whole grain oats and the comfort of eating a cookie!
In the spirit of all things oats we thought it was the perfect time to share THE POWER OF OATS:
WHY ARE OATS GOOD FUEL FOR US?
Oats are a powerhouse grain providing a balanced package to fuel our bodies
Oats are a powerhouse grain providing a balanced package to fuel our bodies
- They contain complex carbohydrates that are key for brain and muscle performance
- Oats are a great combination of complex carbohydrates including fiber and plant-based protein to support satiety (feeling of fullness).
- The primary type of soluble fiber in oats is beta-glucan, which research has shown helps slow digestion, increase satiety, and suppress appetite.
WHY SHOULD WE ADD WHOLE GRAINS TO OUR DIET?
- Oats are a good source of plant-based protein, which supports tissue growth and your immune system
- They contain micronutrients such as thiamin, phosphorus and magnesium
- The benefits of whole grains most documented by repeated studies include:
- reduced risk of stroke
- reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
- reduced risk of heart disease
- better weight maintenance
- decreased inflammation
- lower risk of colorectal cancer
WHY DO WE NEED CARBOHYDRATES AND WHY DO SOME PEOPLE AVOID THEM?
- Carbohydrates are an essential energy source for the body.
- It is the preferred fuel used by your brain and muscles.
- Getting adequate carbohydrates helps spare protein for energy use and helps the metabolic process of burning fat work more efficiently.
- People may avoid carbohydrates believing they lead to weight gain. Research has shown that the type and amount of carbohydrate is a key factor on its impact on weight. Eating complex carbohydrates, like whole grains oats rich in fiber, actually supports feeling fuller longer and provides micronutrients important for an effective metabolism.
WHY ARE OATS A GOOD BREAKFAST FOOD?
- After a night’s sleep the body’s carbohydrate stores are reduced. Oats are a unique complex carbohydrate that helps refuel those stores with a powerful soluble fiber beta-glucan that allows for a slower digestion and absorption. This is ideal to keep hunger away and long lasting energy to keep you moving in the morning.
WHY ARE OATS A MAIN INGREDIENT IN KAKOOKIES?
- Oats provide great texture, help retain moisture, and product structure. They are a nutrient dense grain, but also a perfect platform for providing healthier calories, not empty ones.
DID YOU KNOW OATS ARE SUSTAINABLE?
- Oats require no irrigation and are grown between seasons of other grains. This is helpful for our planet as it provides for soil health and for farmers to have another nutritious crop to grow and bring to market.