If you are looking for a healthy alternative for breakfast that is high in fiber and serves as a loaded protein meal, it is time to start considering oat bran. Oat bran is derived from the hard layers of whole grains. Most of the refined grains that you would find at the grocery store remove the bran during production, which results in losing a generous portion of essential nutrients. Oat bran typically comes in cereal, capsule or powder form, and when added to your meal can provide your body with exceptional amounts of soluble fiber, a happy digestive system as well as help lower cholesterol. Here are some other benefits of adding oat bran to your diet:
Weight loss
For those wanting to shed a few pounds, kicking your day off with a little oat bran might assist you in the weight loss department. The fiber found in oat bran can help your body control hunger by helping your stomach feel full without having to eat too much. Fiber absorbs water and other liquids in your body, which will produce an extended sensation of fullness while decreasing the inclination to snack or overeat.
Digestion
Another incredible property of fiber is its ability to aid and heal your digestive system. Soluble fiber works to move consumed foods through your stomach and intestines smoothly, so you decrease your likelihood of upset stomach or indigestion. Another little secret to fiber is that it helps out with constipation, which is always a good thing to keep in mind.
Gluten free
For those who are gluten intolerant, finding efficient ways to receive the proper nutrients that are abundant in grains can get a little tricky. One of the other bonuses of oat bran is that it is widely produced 100 percent gluten free. Because of the absence of sugar in oat bran cereals, glucose is also absent, meaning those who are sensitive to gluten can dig in and reap all the nutritional benefits.
Lower cholesterol
Oat bran can also significantly assist your body by lowering your total cholesterol as well as decreasing low-density lipoprotein, also known as "bad" cholesterol. A lower percentage of "bad" cholesterol will do wonders for your heart and arteries, as well as increase your metabolism and energy. Eating oat bran can also reduce cholesterol that is absorbed from other foods you consume, acting as a true cholesterol watchdog.
Look and feel young
There are also plenty of healthy antioxidants in oat bran that will boost your vitamin and mineral intake, helping you stay active and looking fresh. Avenanthramides are an antioxidant specifically found in oats that along with lowering cholesterol can also keep your skin moisturized and void of irritation or itchiness.
