The steel cut oats differ from the traditional, rolled oats in only one simple way, that steel cut are not rolled into flat flakes like rolled oats. Instead the steel cut oats are whole oat grains which has been roasted and is cut into thirds and is hence also known as Pinhead oats. Nevertheless, steel cut oats is nutritionally nearly as rich as rolled oats, as regular eating of steel cut oats provides us with the same health benefits which is available by savoring rolled oats. It has been clinically proved that steel cut oats which is even known in certain parts of the world as Scotch or Irish oats, helps us to reduce chances of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
Here are some of the elaborated advantages and benefits of eating steel cut oats:
It tastes better
For all those people who prefer a hearty and chewy oatmeal dish to the less substantial instant oats, steel cut oats is just the ideal meal to make their day. Steel cut oats unlike instant oats has a dense texture and a nutty taste that many of us prefer to the mushier and blander taste and consistency of the instant oats. Steel cut oats are also better for our health as it contains no added sugar which is often added to instant oats.
Lower glycemic index
Although steel cut oats have more or less the same glycemic index as rolled oats, but steel cut oats have a lower GI value than our modern instant oats. The GI value of any food is determined by how fast the glucose in the food enters our bloodstream. Foods like steel cut oats which are low in their glycemic index are absorbed more slowly after we eat them, which leads to a steady rise in our blood glucose level, rather than a sudden rise in our blood glucose index which can always lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes. It can be mentioned over here, that the GI value of steel cut oats in 42, while the GI value of instant oats is more than 66. This is because, as it has been mentioned even earlier, steel cut oats have no added sugar contents which is often added in the manufacturing of instant oats.
Contains Fibers
Steel cut oats is high in soluble fiber contents. The soluble fiber in oat bran, which is known as b-glucan, helps in controlling and preventing us from the threats of blood sugar and bad cholesterols. A generous serving of steel cut oats contains 4 grams of fiber contents. According to the American Heart association we need to eat around 25 grams of fiber per day to keep our heart healthy and strong.
Rich in Iron contents
Steel cut oats are whole grain products which is also rich in iron and is a natural good source of Vitamin B. It has been clinically tested ‘½ cup of dry steel cut oats contains enough iron to keep an adult fit and strong when it is taken consistently every day.
Rich source of protein and amino acids
Steel cut oats are a good source of protein. It also contains essential amino acids, aspartic acid and glutamic acid, and is low in tryptophan.
Apart from the above mentioned benefits steel cut oats also has the clinically recommended allowance of niacin, thiamin and riboflavin which is needed daily for keeping us healthy in our day to day life.
