Volunteers are required for a new study to see whether oat based food such as the traditional Scottish staples of porridge and oatcakes can help keep our gut healthy and protect against heart disease.
Previous studies by the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health have suggested that eating oats could promote healthy bacteria in the gut and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, but these findings have not been conclusive.
Now Rowett researchers are launching another study - which will begin in January - to see whether this is the case.
Dr Frank Thies, Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition at the University of Aberdeen who will lead the study with Dr Karen Scott, from the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, said: “Oats appear to have a beneficial effect on the gut and the heart and may protect against heart disease.
“Oats seem to promote healthy bacteria in the gut. They also seem to reduce blood pressure and the levels of cholesterol in the blood which may be responsible for the development of heart disease.
“Our study will compare the effects of two different diets, one high in oats and one oat-free, on blood pressure, the activity and composition of gut bacteria, as well as cholesterol, sugar and other chemicals in the blood.
“We want to see if oats are indeed making a difference to the health of the gut and with helping reduce blood pressure and therefore the risk of heart attacks.”
For the study the team are looking for volunteers aged between 40 to 65 who would have to alter their diet slightly for 16 weeks. People will have to replace the type of bread and cereals they eat.
Initially volunteers will be asked to eat only refined food – like white bread and white rice but not wholegrain food - for four weeks. Recruits will then either remain on this diet or switch to the oat diet.
The oat diet would involve consuming oat-based foods like porridge and oatcakes. Bread, breakfast cereals, oatcakes and other biscuits, will be provided to the volunteers who will also receive recipe ideas.
Recruits would be asked to attend five appointments at the Rowett where they would fill in questionnaires about what they are eating and how they feel. Their weight and blood pressure would be checked and blood and stool samples would be collected.
Dr Thies said: “We hope that information from this study will tell us whether oats are the best for the gut, heart and arteries.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the study should contact Dr Lynsey Mills, study co-ordinator, on Lynsey.mills@abdn.ac.uk or by calling 01224 438679 / 437986 or by emailing Dr Frank Thies on f.thies@abdn.ac.uk
FAQs
Oats might reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and help control appetite by making you feel full. Oat bran might work by keeping the gut from absorbing substances that can lead to heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Oats seem to reduce swelling when applied to the skin.
Can oats clear arteries? ›
Studies show that oatmeal can reduce both total and bad cholesterol—which is crucial because cholesterol clogs arteries, contributing to heart disease. Fiber content and the other benefits we've explored also affect your heart health.
What happens to your gut when you eat oatmeal everyday? ›
Oatmeal is good for your gut.
Oats are a prebiotic food and the beta-glucan fiber helps feed the good bacteria. The fiber helps to keep you full for hours by slowing down digestion AND contributes to keeping bowel movements regular. A healthy gut decreases the risk for disease and inflammation.
What do cardiologists say about oatmeal? ›
According to Cardiologist, Dr Wolfson, oats hold no nutritional value and contain anti-nutrient properties. He says, "I never recommend eating oatmeal, certainly not every day as so many people do."
What dissolves artery plaque fast? ›
There is no fast way to unclog arteries once plaque has built up. The best evidence for stabilizing and regressing plaque is with a combination of cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins along with healthy lifestyle habits.
What is the number one food to clean arteries? ›
1. Fish. Fatty or oily fish such as salmon and tuna are a great source of omega-3 fats, compounds which have been shown in studies to reduce the amount of plaque which sticks in your arteries. These healthy fats also have anti-inflammatory properties which can help with many aspects of your overall health.
Why shouldn't you eat oatmeal every day? ›
Is oatmeal safe to eat for everyone? Oatmeal is likely safe for most people, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, when consumed as food. However, it may cause gas and bloating in some. Hence, instead of eating a cup or bowl of oatmeal, start with a quarter cup and increase slowly to the intended amount.
What happens when you eat a bowl of oatmeal every morning? ›
Oats have unique components like the soluble fiber beta-glucan and antioxidants called avenanthramides. Benefits include lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, protection against skin irritation, and reduced constipation.
What is the best breakfast for clogged arteries? ›
Oatmeal. Both doctors cited oats as their regular favorite breakfast. Oatmeal contains lots of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and studies associate it with lowering cholesterol and helping with weight control, according to the American Heart Association. “My go-to is really oatmeal,” Freeman says.
Why do some doctors say not to eat oatmeal? ›
Cons to eating oatmeal.
Includes phytic acid, which has been studied to strip your body from absorbing the vitamins and minerals in the oats. It is a high starch or high carbohydrate food. So, in the end, yes, oats can spike your blood sugar, putting you on a “sugar-high” your body doesn't necessarily agree with.
You can include any of these foods in your breakfast to promote heart health:
- Eggs.
- Avacado.
- Chia.
- Berries.
- Greek yogurt.
- Seeds.
- Wholegrain toast.
- Spinach.
While we cannot use one specific measure for our gut health , some signs that you may have poor gut health include:
- digestive symptoms – such as gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and heartburn.
- sleep disturbances or fatigue.
- mood/emotional state – such as high stress, low mood or anxiety.
Three superfoods for the gut are fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut, prebiotic-rich foods like garlic and onions, and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir. These foods contain beneficial bacteria that support the growth of healthy gut flora and promote digestion and nutrient absorption.
What are the three foods the gut doctor says not to eat? ›
The Top 10 Foods To Avoid for a Healthy Gut
- Processed foods. Processed foods are high in additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, which can harm your gut microbiome.
- Refined sugar. ...
- Gluten. ...
- Dairy products. ...
- Fried foods. ...
- Red meat. ...
- Artificial sweeteners. ...
- Alcohol.
Oats might reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and help control appetite by making you feel full. Oat bran might work by keeping the gut from absorbing substances that can lead to heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Does oatmeal remove cholesterol from your body? ›
Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream.
Is oats good for blood circulation? ›
Share on Pinterest Oatmeal contains high levels of antioxidants, which can improve blood flow in the body. Oatmeal contains high levels of antioxidants. Specifically, it contains polyphenols, which are plant-based compounds that are rich in avenanthramides.
