A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications found that eating oats over a short period of time may have a demonstrable effect on lowering cholesterol levels, especially in people with metabolic syndrome who are at higher risk for diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany conducted a nutritional experiment on 32 people suffering from obesity, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. For two days, participants relied on a low-calorie diet consisting almost exclusively of oats.
Meal details
Participants ate 300 grams of oatmeal daily divided into three meals. Oatmeal was cooked in water and only fruits or vegetables were allowed to be added. Participants ate about half the calories they normally need.
In contrast, another group ate a low-calorie diet that did not include oats. Both groups benefited, but the oat group showed a “significant” improvement in cholesterol levels, an effect that lasted six weeks after the end of the experiment.
Reduction in “bad cholesterol”
Researcher Marie Christine Simon explained that among participants who followed the oat diet, levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol decreased by about 10%, participants lost an average of about 2 kilograms in weight, and their blood pressure also slightly decreased.
Researchers believe the reason is due to the effect oats have on the gut microbiome. That’s because oats contain prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial bacteria, resulting in the production of compounds that may help reduce the production of harmful cholesterol.
Nutrition expert opinion
Independent nutrition experts said this was logical, given that oats are a whole grain that is high in fiber and low in saturated fat, as well as being rich in plant-based proteins that support heart health.
However, he warned diabetics and people suffering from blood sugar disorders not to eat too much of the food as it is rich in carbohydrates. They also advised choosing steel-cut or rolled oats, avoiding added sugar, and potentially fortifying meals with protein sources such as Greek yogurt, chia, and flaxseed to better balance blood sugar levels.
Repeat intensive oatmeal therapy
Researchers believe that repeating a concentrated oatmeal diet at regular intervals, such as every six weeks, could be a simple and potential way to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and prevent diabetes, but they stress the need to conduct long-term studies to assess lasting preventive effects.
