Did you know that oats are one of the healthiest grains? They have some incredible health benefits and can be used in a number of magical ways. This article will show you the many ways you can enjoy oats, including all the oaty Nakd products and recipes you can try!
Oat bars made from natural ingredients are a great healthy snack! They can be eaten as a cereal bar to provide you with energy for the day ahead, or as an afternoon snack for a little pick me up! Often flavoured with lots of yummy ingredients like dried fruits, nuts or chocolate, they make for the ultimate vegan treat.
Love oat bars? Then you’ll love our Nakd Oaties vegan snack bars. Made with gorgeous fruits, nuts and oats all squished together, these sweet treats are naturally delicious and filling, keeping you feeling satisfied for longer. You can also find these delicious snacks on Ocado so you don’t have to worry about running low!
Where have you been if you haven’t heard of oat milk? It is one of the most trendy milk alternatives available right now! It is made by extracting the plant milk from the oats and can be sweetened, unsweetened or flavoured. It is a great source of vegan protein and fibre, and can help promote a healthy digestive system. So why not try oat milk in your next coffee? It might become your go to order!
Overnight oats are oats that have been soaked in the liquid of your choice such as oat milk or coconut yoghurt, and then left overnight to absorb all the goodness. This is said to allow more of the nutrients to release which makes for a nutritious breakfast first thing in the morning. You can flavour your overnight oats with toppings of your choice. For some inspiration try our Nakd Lemon Drizzle or Vegan Banoffee Pie Overnight Oats. Breakfast will never be the same again!
Oat flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to regular flour, or as a more nutritious option. It is made simply by grinding oats into a fine powder-like consistency, meaning it consists of all natural ingredients. You could even have a go at making some yourself! Once you have your oat flour you can use it to make all kinds of gluten-free food like oat muffins or even oat pasta. It has a gorgeous nutty like flavour which is sure to add a new dimension to your vegan dishes.
You can make an amazing organic face mask using only oats and a splash of water. Simply mix ground oats with water until it forms a spreadable paste. Then gently massage the oat face wash onto your face and neck. Leave it to soak, then rinse off. This can be used to treat dry skin or to reduce swelling caused by inflammation.
To go one step further you could even have an oatmeal bath by sprinkling oats into warm water and letting your whole body soak up the benefits!
Now you know the many ways you can enjoy oats, it’s time to discover why you should add them to your diet. Oats have a wide variety of health benefits that can make you feel good both on the inside and the outside! Here are just a few reasons why oats are good for you:
1.Oats are gluten-free – Oats are naturally gluten-free which means they are a great ingredient for those who are coeliac, gluten intolerant or looking to follow a gluten-free diet. They can be used as a substitute in baking to make gluten-free cookies or bread – whatever you fancy!
If you are looking for gluten-free alternatives then you will be happy to know that all our Nakd products are gluten-free, from our fruit and nut bars to our chocolish range. You can even try some of our gluten-free recipes like our Bunny in the Bush Gluten-Free Cupcakes.
2.They can help lower cholesterol – Oats contain soluble fibre that can help lower cholesterol. The soluble fibre forms a gel-like substance in the gut which reduces the amount of ‘bad’ nutrients like sugar, fats and cholesterol being absorbed into the blood. This can also help lower blood pressure and risk of heart disease.
3.They can leave you feeling full – Oats are high in fibre which means they can leave you feeling fuller for longer. This is what makes porridge such a good breakfast choice as it can leave you feeling sated ready for the day ahead!
4.They contain vital vitamins and minerals – Oats make for the perfect balanced breakfast because they are rich in nutrients. Some of the minerals and vitamins in oats include thiamine, magnesium and iron which can help support the natural functioning of the body.
5.There are antioxidants in oats – Did you know that oats have been used for centuries as a natural remedy to treat itchy skin? This is because oats contain the antioxidants known as avenanthramides – which give oats the scientific name of avena sativa. The avenanthramides are a strong anti-inflammatory which helps to mediate the anti-irritant effects of oats.
There we have it! The many wonderful ways you can use the superfood that is oats. Not only can you consume it in many delicious ways, but you can use its healing properties as a form of natural skincare. Now that is a magical wholegrain!
To learn more about amazing, natural ingredients explore the whole ‘magical uses’ blog series, with articles such as The Magical Uses of Coconut Oil, The Magical Uses of Avocado and The Magical Uses of Aloe Vera.
