Discover a world of stunning ingredients featured in the Vitality HealthyFood Catalogues. This month, we're shining the spotlight on an ancient grain that's delicious, nutritious and versatile: wholesome oats.
If healthy eating is one of your goals, follow our Spotlight on HealthyFood series to discover healthy ingredients that can transform your life for good.
Spotlight on... wholesome oats
Next time you have a hearty bowl of oats, think about the hunter-gatherers who first consumed this humble yet powerful grain over 32,000 years ago. Scientists have found evidence of humans grinding and eating wild oats back in the Palaeolithic period, and today, oats are a household staple in pantries across the world.
Nothing fills you up like a bowl of warm, wholesome oatmeal porridge cooked on the stove with water or milk and served with berries, chia seeds, flax seeds or honey. A whole grain food, oats are as versatile as they are healthy, often used in breakfast cereals, baking, savoury dishes, making milk and even for brewing beer.
Why do we love oats?
Oats are an excellence source of antioxidants, soluble fibre, vitamins B and E, and magnesium. It's been proven that oats can lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. It also helps to regulate your blood sugar levels, and feed the good bacteria in your gut for better digestive health. Plus, the fibre in oats can help you feel full for longer, making it a great way to manage your weight.
Quick ways to eat more oats
- Add it to a smoothie. Blend oats with various ingredients like peanut butter, banana and low-fat milk for a satisfying smoothie that's rich in fibre.
- Make pancakes. Blend 1½ cups rolled oats, 1 large banana and 1 cup 2 tablespoons low-fat milk for a smooth, healthy pancake batter.
- Bulk up savoury dishes. Grind rolled or steel cut oats in a blender and use it to make risotto or add it to stews or soups.
3 oat-standing recipes for a healthier you
Mango overnight oats
Served with fresh mango, toasted coconut flakes and mint.
Hero's energy balls
Deliciously made with raw oats, chia seeds, coconut and dates.
Quick seed loaf
Nutty and loaded with seeds, perfect for gut health!
How to store oats
Store uncooked raw oats in a clean, cool, dry area like your pantry or kitchen cupboard.
Keep raw oats in an airtight glass or plastic container or sealed in its original packaging.
Store leftover cooked oats in the fridge for one day. Reheat on the stovetop until it's very hot.
Ready to love your health with wholesome oats?
Whole grains and high-fibre starchy foods are a good source of energy and a main source of various nutrients in our diet. The benefits of these foods include feeding good gut bacteria, slowing digestion, and lowering cholesterol, which reduces risk of chronic disease. Whole grains and high-fibre starchy foods low in salt, sugar and saturated fat are included in the Vitality HealthyFood benefit.
Activate your Vitality HealthyFood benefit today and get up to 75% back in Ðiscovery Miles on oats, barley, bulgur wheat, quinoa, sorghum and more at Checkers and Woolworths, in-store or delivered to your door.
Live life with Vitality
Get up to 25% back in Ðiscovery Miles, boosted to up to 75% back in Ðiscovery Miles when paying with a qualifying Discovery Bank card. Auth FSP. Limits, Ts&Cs apply.
This article is for educational purposes only. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalised dietary advice.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Oats
- Time: Is oatmeal healthy? Here's what the experts say
- New Scientist: Stone-age people were making porridge 32,000 years ago
- Love food hate waste: Best ways to store and use oats
- The Big Man's World: Healthy oatmeal pancakes
- Healthline: 9 benefits of eating oats and oatmeal