The Power of Oats

by Annette Doody

Last newsletter I discussed the importance of a whole diet. In light of the latest "carb fear" sweeping the country I want to explore a super food that is a carb! We need our carbs for many reasons, but we need healthy carbs. Interestingly enough foods that were often considered poor mans food are the healthiest. It is certainly true that our diets have deteriorated in proportion with our growth of wealth in this nation! Actually it is interesting to watch this phenomenon happen around the globe.

Our number one killer in this country is heart disease; a disease that really is a result of lifestyle. In 1997 the FDA allowed foods containing oats to be labeled "heart healthy". The holistic nutrition research today continues to be awed by the overall health benefits of this simple grain.

Oats lower blood cholesterol. I like to think of oats as nature's broom to clean the arteries and colon! Two things you want to keep healthy. Study after study is showing that a simple bowl of oats a day significantly lowers cholesterol levels!

Beta glucan in oats also stabilizes blood sugars. Unlike white fluffy bread that can send it soaring! Oats help stabilize blood sugars and therefore help in the fight against type II diabetes, and hypoglycemia.

The new research is exciting because as with most natural foods we are identifying more new Phytonutrients in oats. Some of these Phytonutrients are proving to be great fighters in preventing colon cancer!

Oats are high in fiber and low in calories, the perfect combination for weight management.

So eat your oats and enjoy! Try this recipe as a healthy dessert, or just have plain oats and fruit with a little honey in the morning!

Apple Crisp Recipe
1 ½ cups rolled oats
½ dark brown sugar or two tablespoons of honey
¾ cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons of ghee butter
3 tablespoons of soy milk
8 large granny smith apples cored and sliced
(don't throw away the peel, it has the most nutrients) sprinkled with fresh lemon
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon of clove

Arrange apple slices in a baking dish. In a bowl mix all other ingredients with a fork. Add soy milk and mixture should crumble. Place mixture on top of apples and cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes at 350. Top with fresh yogurt

Left-overs make a great week-end breakfast!

A healthy diet needs to be coupled with a healthy lifestyle .See you in Yoga class!

If you would like more information or have questions please feel to contact me! annette@pathend.com