Oats are one of the healthiest whole-grain cereals that come with a boost of nutrients offering a treasure trove of health benefits. It is a gluten-free whole grain and an incredible source of essential vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants.

Oats serves as a wholesome breakfast option-you can simply spruce oats with nuts, fruits, milk or even give them a desi twist and make delicious oats idli, dosa,upma, pancakes to mention a few. Be it an easy fix for hunger pangs, light and a hearty snack or an instant energy boost to kick start your hectic day, oats is one of the superfoods that has earned great value by doctors and nutritionist in unison for its commendable health benefits. Also Read: Oats: Are You Choosing The Right Variety?

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Several pieces of evidence have revealed that adding oats as a part of healthy diet plan confers many benefits including weight loss, lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

The nutrient composition of oats is well-balanced and it is a great source of carbs, fibre and contains more protein and fat than most grains.

Oats are bestowed with a myriad of nutrients including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, vitamins B1, B5, E and potent antioxidants that makes its versatile grain and top the list of healthy foods.

Oats Idli

Idli is valued as one of the wholesome and nutritionally balanced breakfast, unlike other breakfast foods, idli is steamed which packs a minimal amount of calories and has the right composition of nutrients. As the batter is fermented it is also gut-friendly loaded with probiotics and improves gut health. A healthy version of idli is to replace the rice with an oats batter making it more nutritious and ideal breakfast option for all health-conscious.

Oats idli is instant idli which needs less than one hour of resting time and no fermentation. Loaded with protein and fibre, these idlis keep you satiated and prevent you from binge eating. Oats idli is simple and easy to make for a perfect breakfast or even a brunch.

Ingredients 

1 cups oats

250 ml sour curd

¼ cup soaked urad dal

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp urad dal

1/2 tsp channa dal

1 tsp oil

1 tsp green chillies, finely chopped

½ cup finely chopped, carrots and onion

2 tsp finely chopped, coriander leaves

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp salt

A pinch of fruit salt

Method

In a pan dry roast oats until it turns slightly brown and powders it in a mixer.

Grind urad dal into a fine paste and add oats powder, mix well and keep it aside.

Add oil, mustard seeds, urad dal and channa dal in a pan and let the mustard splutter and fry dals to golden.

Now add chopped onions, carrots, green chillies and sauté for 5 minutes.

Add turmeric powder, salt and coriander leaves and stir well for a minute.

Now add the cooked vegetables to the oats mixture, add curd, salt and make a batter like that of idli consistency.

Allow this batter to rest for an hour. Just before steaming the idli add a pinch of fruit salt.

Grease the idli plates with oil and pour the batter and steam the oats idli for about 15 minutes.

Serve delicious oats idli with onion chutney.

Nutritional Facts

One oats idli provide you with 30 calories, 1.8 gm of protein, 5 gm of carbohydrate and 1 gm of fibre. These nutritious idlis are ideal for diabetics, as rice high on the glycaemic index is replaced with fibre-rich oats. Moreover, it has urad dal which is high in protein and makes it more filling and a low glycaemic index food. Vast reserves of beta glucagon fibre in oats idli lowers, the cholesterol, reduces the blood sugar spikes, control blood pressure and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Urad dal is an impressive source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, protein, vitamin B complex, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc fortifies the bone, enhances digestion, protects the heart and strengthen the nervous system. Curd is imbued with protein, vitamins A, B12, and calcium act as a good probiotic, builds a robust immune system, enhances skin glow, boost brain health and helps in weight reduction.

While vegetables added in oats idli increases the fibre content and nutritional value. Carrots abound in carotenoid compounds, for enhanced skin glow and improved vision. Onions are well-known for their ability to regulate blood pressure, avert cardiac ailments and optimises heart health. Bestowed with a myriad of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, coriander leaves promotes digestion, triggers the immune system and keep infections at bay.

Incredible Benefits Of Oats

Promotes Digestion

Vast reserves of both soluble and insoluble fibre and beta-glucan in oats act as a digestive stimulant, regularise the bowel movement and a natural laxative. Adding oats in the diet is well-known to treat constipation and other digestive woes.

Potent Antioxidant Effects

Whole oats contain ample amounts of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds which combats free radicals and averts oxidative stress. Bestowed with antioxidants avenanthramides, oats may control blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels and improve the blood flow. Aside from this, it also abounds ferulic acid a potent antioxidant that lowers inflammation and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

Heart Healthy

Being rich in beta-glucan adding oats in the diet helps in reducing both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol. It also reduces inflammation in arteries, tissues and lowers the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases.

Promotes Weight Loss

Regular addition of oats in the diet may help you to lose weight by keeping you satiated and delays the gastric emptying time. Beta-glucan in oats increases the secretion of satiety hormone peptide YY which reduces the calorie intake and the risk of obesity. Also read: Top 5 Super Foods To Achieve Weight Loss - Infographic

Manages Diabetes

Oats are packed with soluble fibre beta-glucan promotes insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar spikes. Beta-glucan has the ability to form a thick gel that delays gastric emptying time and absorption of glucose into the blood.