Oat Groats

 Have you ever heard of a groat? If not, don’t worry, you aren’t alone. However, gaining some clarification on this food may help you see why it should become a part of your diet. The fact is, many people consider oat groats (among other types of groats) as an important component of their diet. They are a great health food, offer nutritional and health benefits and provide advantages that other foods (especially processed ones) simply can’t compete with.

“Groat” is actually a term that is derived from an old Scottish word that is used to describe an oat kernel that has had the hull removed. However, there is much more to these tiny morsels than what may initially meet the eye. Oat groats are now sold by a number of companies, providing individuals with access to this delicious and nutritious food. It is a good idea to make sure the groats you are purchasing have not been “altered” in any way, by adding sugar or other ingredients. This is going to take away from their nutritional value.

What are Oat Groats?

A groat is any whole kernel of grain that has been only minimally process to remove the outer hull or husk, which is often referred to as the chaff. The oat groat has a chewy, hearty texture and has to be simmered or soaked to become soft for cooking. While wheat and barley can also be processed into a groat, here you can learn more about oat groats.

What are the Nutrition Facts of Oat Groats?

One of the most appealing factors of oat groats is the high nutritional value they offer. These retain the high-fiber of the grain, which is also full of fatty acids, B-vitamins, iron and protein.

Additionally, oat groats contain minerals and vitamins and are high in polyunsaturated fats. When you eat these you also gain nutrition value from the endosperm, which is the grain’s starchy protein, which is usually all that is left behind to create flour.

A quarter cup of oat groats will contain four grams of fiber, which provides 16 percent of the total recommended daily value, 160 calories, 28 grams of carbohydrates, seven grams of protein, 10 percent of your daily iron recommendation and three grams of fat.

Keep in mind, the carbohydrates that are present in oat groats are idea for fueling your active lifestyle and will give you energy that is necessary for brain function. Also, the high fiber content will reduce the chances you have of developing cardiovascular disease.

What are the Health Benefits of Oat Groats?

Oat groats contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, several different B-vitamins and vitamin E. Additionally, oats have trace minerals, such as manganese, copper, iron, selenium and zinc. They are also full of phytochemicals, which are good for you, and contain both insoluble and soluble fiber.

Do to all of these “good-for-you” ingredients, oat groats offer quite a few health benefits. They can lower your blood pressure, and even help to prevent the onset of diabetes, which used with a whole-grain diet.

Some of the other health benefits offered by including oat groats in your diet, and the diet of your children include:

• They can help reduce cases of asthma in children

• Can help to boost the nutrition profile of any gluten-free diet

• Eaten regularly can increase levels of appetite control hormones

• Can help to improve immune system defenses

• They can help to reduce the need for laxatives

• Can help reduce bad cholesterol

What Types of Meals or Recipes Include Oat Groats?

Oat groats are actually a very versatile type of food. In fact, they can be eaten in a number of different ways. For example, you can eat oat groats raw, as cereal, or use them in an array of recipes. Some popular recipes include:

• Oatmeal in the slow cooker

• Savory oat groats and kale

• Apple cinnamon oat groats

Many people like to eat oat groats at the beginning of the day, due to how full they make them feel. In fact, many people prefer this time of day, because they will remain satisfied and be able to avoid snacking before lunch.

A great way to prepare oat groats for eating in the morning is to combine them with honey, yogurt, fresh berries or anything else that sounds appealing. This will provide you with a healthy start to your hectic day.

How Do I Cook Oat Groats?

One of the first things to know about preparing oat groats, is that the entire process is going to take much longer to complete than if you were cooking steel-cut oats. As a result, they are a better option for mornings when you have time to put into the preparation.

The preparation of oat groats can be somewhat tricky if you have never cooked with them before. However, with the tips here, you will find cooking with them is actually much easier than you may have imagined.

Need to allow the oat groats to soak or simmer (as mentioned above) prior to eating them. This will require about 50 to 60 minutes of time to get them to an edible point.

If you are using a double boiler, then you can combine one-part oat groats with 4 parts water and one quarter part salt and then cover and cook for 30 minutes to one hour. Once the time has passed, turn your boiler off and then let the oat groats remain in the boiler until the morning, when you plan to eat them. You will have to reheat them, but they will be ready to go.

A Final Word about Oat Groats

Even though you may not think about oat groats beyond creating great tasting bowls of oatmeal, or even using them in oatmeal raisin cookies, there are actually quite a few uses for them in your kitchen. In fact, oat groats can make an extremely healthy addition to anyone’s diet – including kids. Much like other whole grains, they provide a number of nutritional and health benefits that are untouched by other, common foods.

If you are ready to add something great to your diet, then consider oat groats. The nutritional and health benefits offered are more than worth the time it takes to prepare them.