The benefits and harms of oatmeal broth — 5 proven properties

Decoction of oats has been appreciated in folk medicine for centuries as a means to strengthen immunity and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Modern science has found a lot of biologically active substances in the composition of oats and confirmed its health benefits. Drink rich minerals (manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron), B vitamins, polyphenols and avenanthramides.

Oatmeal broth preserves almost everything useful properties of oats . During heat treatment, only a small part of vitamins and some antioxidants are destroyed.

How it is useful – 5 facts

The medicinal properties of oat broth have been scientifically proven. Let's look at them in more detail.

1. Strengthens bones

Drink helps strengthen bones thanks to several mechanisms.

Mineral components (in particular, phosphorus and calcium) are involved in the formation of bone tissues, and antioxidants normalize metabolism at the bone level and improve the delivery of minerals to them.

Japanese scientists claim that the use of decoction and other oat-based products can prevent the development of osteoporosis in the elderly, as well as in women after menopause.

It is useful to give a healing drink to children. It will help to form the bones of the skeleton correctly and prevent the development of scoliosis.

2. Supports the health of the cardiovascular system

Research conducted under the guidance of researchers from the USA, revealed that oat avenanthramides have powerful anti-inflammatory and hypotensive effects.

Avenanthramides cause relaxation of the smooth muscles of the vascular walls, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure and prevents the development of hypertension.

Also, a decoction of oats contains a large amount of magnesium, which is necessary for a well-coordinated Heart muscle work and prevention of arrhythmias.

During the preparation of the broth, some part is preserved fiber (beta-glucans). Fiber is positive reflected at the level of cholesterol in the blood by reducing its reverse reabsorption in the intestine and slowing down synthesis in the liver.

As a result, conditions are not created for the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of arteries and the development of pathologies such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke.

3. Reduces the likelihood of developing allergies

Employees of the University of Tempera (Finland) found out that oatmeal drink reduces the level of immunoglobulin E in the human body and prevents the development of allergic reactions, starting from childhood.

People whose diet is rich in oats are less likely to have allergic asthma and rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, as well as other forms of allergic pathologies.

Early inclusion of oats in a child's diet creates a powerful protection against problems associated with allergic reactions in the future. Additionally, the product allows you to control the course of existing allergopathologies.

4. Good for digestion

Beta-glucans of the drink improve intestinal motility and eliminate constipation, which lead to intoxication of the whole body. came to similar conclusions scientists from China.

Oatmeal broth also reduces the risk of developing autoimmune (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) and infectious and inflammatory diseases of the digestive system.

Daily intake of the drink is recommended for people suffering from constipation or having difficulty emptying their intestines.

5. Strengthens the immune system

According to Italian experts, oatmeal drink stimulates synthesis and increases the functional activity of cells of the immune system. Efficacy against neutrophils, macrophages and natural killers was noted.

As a result, the body effectively captures any foreign agents trapped on barrier tissues (skin and mucous membranes) or in the blood, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.

Decoction of oats is recommended to be taken during the period of an increase in the incidence of respiratory infections for Enhance immunity , as well as with existing inflammatory processes in the body.

Possible harm

Oatmeal broth has contraindications and can cause significant harm to the body. Potential side effects include:

1. Impaired liver and kidney function. Copious intake of decoction (more than 1-2 liters per day) can reduce the functional activity of these organs and even lead to irreversible changes.
2. Exacerbation of diseases of the stomach and duodenum. Decoction of oats causes irritation of the mucous membranes, which can provoke an exacerbation of chronic gastritis, duodenitis or peptic ulcer disease. Drinking a drink on an empty stomach is unacceptable.
3. Allergic reactions.  They are common, especially in people of the black race. They usually manifest in the form of diarrhea or urticaria.

The drink can be taken by women during pregnancy, as well as given to children starting from the age of 5. No negative effects were recorded in any of the studies.

Cooking Recipes

Oatmeal broth is quite simple to make at home. It can be a great alternative to coffee and some sugary drinks.

Let's look at the cooking schemes in more detail.

1. Decoction

You will need:

• 2 tbsp. l. oat flakes;
• 250 ml of water;
• ½ tsp sugar (if desired).

Recipe:

1. Pour oatmeal with water. Let it brew for about 10 hours.
2. Put on fire, bring to a boil.
3. Simmer for 1.5 hours, preferably covered with a lid to prevent excessive loss of liquid. 3 minutes before the end of cooking, add sugar and mix.
4. Grind in a blender. The drink is ready.

Instead of flakes, you can use unpeeled oat grains, then you will need twice as much water (500 ml), and the cooking time will be 2.5-3 hours. Milk can be used instead of water.

Take 200 ml 2 times a day (morning and evening) 1-1.5 hours after meals. The duration of the course is 10 days, then a break of at least 2 weeks is required.

2. Infusion in a thermos

Needed:

• 100 grams of oats;
• 1,000 ml of water.

Preparation:

1. Boil water and pour it into a thermos, cover the oat grains.
2. Let it brew for about 12-14 hours. To keep warm, it is recommended to wrap the thermos with a warm towel.

Take 50-100 ml 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals (lunch and dinner). To increase the biological potential, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of honey and the juice of ½ lemon. The duration of the self–treatment course is no more than 1 week.

Conclusion

1. Decoction and infusion of oats are valuable and nutritious drinks that can improve human health.
2. They strengthen the immune system, normalize digestive processes, fight leading cardiovascular diseases, strengthen bone tissues and protect against allergies.
3. When taking it, side effects may develop, the risk of which must be taken into account.
4. Oat broth can be drunk during pregnancy and given to children from the age of 5. This can increase resistance to infectious agents and create conditions for proper bone formation.