In South Canar ‘Rice Gruel’
HEALS
THE SKIN
Bathing in oat-based solutions can
help problem skin. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the anti-inflammatory
compounds in porridge oats can help conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Fill a sock or stocking with porridge oats and place in water for 20 minutes
while bathing.
FIGHTS
INFECTION
Of all the cereals, porridge has the
best proportion of protein needed for growth and repair in the body and to help
boost the immune system.
FIGHTS
HEART DISEASE
Many studies have shown that eating
fibre-rich food such as porridge reduces the risk of heart disease. But
scientists in the U.S. found that porridge contains avenanthramides - chemicals
that stop blood cells sticking to artery walls, preventing the fatty deposits
that cause heart disease.
REDUCES
DIABETES RISK SLOWLY
Digested foods such as porridge might
cut the risk of developing non-insulin dependent diabetes by absorbing sugar
from the gut and cutting the need for large quantities of insulin to be
released.
HELPS
CONCENTRATION
The slow releasing complex
carbohydrates in oats sustain energy levels, allowing full concentration to be
maintained. Complex carbohydrates also stabilise and raise blood sugar levels.
BEATS
DEPRESSION
Porridge is high in Vitamin B6, which
promotes the brain chemical serotonin. High levels of serotonin are associated
with feelings of well-being and also aid relaxation and restful sleep. Levels
of serotonin dip when sunlight is limited - i.e. during winter - and can lead
to the depressive condition Seasonal Affective Disorder.
BOOTS
ENERGY
Porridge oats are high in complex
carbohydrates and soluble fibre, which means they release energy slowly. A bowl
of porridge should provide all the energy you need until lunchtime.
LOWERS
CHOLESTEROL
Porridge is rich in soluble fibre,
which has been shown to lower blood cholesterol. High cholesterol occurs when
fat builds up and constricts the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.
Eating oats can improve blood flow and bind to cholesterol in the gut, aiding
its removal from the body. Scientists think the cholesterol-lowering effects of
oats are due to the oat soluble fibre beta-glucan.
PREVENTS
CONSTIPATION
High-fibre foods such as porridge
increase the movement of food through the digestive tract.
This increased bowel action provides a
good environment for beneficial bacteria in the gut to ferment while decreasing
levels of destructive bacteria.
FIGHTS
OSTEOPOROSIS
Porridge oats are blended with milk,
making an excellent source of calcium which is essential for bone health. Lack
of calcium can lead to osteoporosis, which involves a loss of bone density and
can make bones fragile.
CAN
HELP DIETING
Porridge oats are 100 per cent
natural, with no added sugar, salt or additives, and are naturally low in
calories. An average bowl of porridge made with water contains 171 calories.
FIGHTS
CANCER
Oats are rich in the antioxidant
vitamin E, which protects the body from the damaging free radicals that can
cause cancer. A diet high in soluble fibre foods such as porridge oats might
also help reduce the chances of developing bowel, colon and breast cancer.
CONTAINS
ESSENTIAL MINERALS
Porridge is a good source of
manganese, which is essential in allowing the body to produce energy as well as
helping to build bones and connective tissue. It also contains zinc, which is
needed for normal growth, sexual development and reproduction, and a healthy
immune system.
REDUCES
BLOOD PRESSURE
A daily serving of oats can improve
blood pressure control and reduce the need for anti-hypertensive medication,
according to U.S. researchers - 73 per cent of those fed a wholegrain oat-based
cereal (containing 3g of soluble fibre) stopped or reduced their blood pressure
medication by half.
COULD
HELP LONG LIFE
Britain's longest living man, David
Henderson, from Montrose, Scotland, who died in 1998 at 109, attributed his age
and good health to a daily bowl of porridge. This could be because the lipids
present in oats contain a good balance of essential fatty acids which have been
linked to longevity and general good health.
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