GRAINS
Courage, cheerfulness, and a desire to work depend mostly on good nutrition.
—Jacob Moleschott
Oat
Nothing starts the day off better than a big bowl of warm oatmeal. The oat is generally cited as the most nourishing of all the cereals. Oats have a higher concentration of well-balanced protein than other cereals and contain phytochemicals which have been associated with protection from many forms of chronic disease. Oats also contain a good balance of essential fatty acids, which have been linked with longevity and general good health.
Heart Disease
The accumulation of cholesterol is implicated in many types of cardiovascular disease. Oatmeal and oat bran are significant sources of soluble and insoluble fiber. One component of the soluble fiber found in oats is beta-glucans, which has proven effective in lowering blood cholesterol. Oats are also one of the best sources of compounds called tocotrienols which inhibit cholesterol synthesis and have been found to lower blood cholesterol. Research also indicates that the antioxidants found in oats reduce cholesterol by reducing the ability of blood cells to stick to the inside of artery walls. A daily bowl of oatmeal can lower cholesterol by up to 23 percent and reduce the risk of heart disease by almost half.