When you think of oats, chances are you picture a steaming bowl of oatmeal on a cold morning. Seems nourishing? Absolutely, it is! But the benefits of eating oats go far beyond just filling you up the plate.
This tiny grain is full of goodness that can make you stronger, give you more energy, improve heart health, and aid digestion. They work wonders for your skin too.1 2 3 4 Yes, you read that right! Oats aren’t just good for eating—they can also be a game-changer when incorporated in your skincare.4
Whether you’re looking for a natural way to stay energised, keep your gut happy, or give your skin that healthy glow, oats have got your back. In this blog, we’ll explore the amazing benefits of eating oats for your health and skin. So, keep reading!
Oats- The Superfood
They are an underrated pantry staple that quietly packs a serious nutritional punch. They come from the Poaceae grass family and thrive in temperate climates, which is why you’ll find them growing in places like North America, Europe, Canada & USA.4 5 6
Oats come in a few different types, each with a unique texture and cooking time. For example:4 7
- Steel-cut oats take the longest to cook, but they have a chewy texture and a nutty flavour that makes them worth the wait.
- Rolled oats are softer and cook much faster, making them a great go-to for quick meals.
- Then there are instant oats—super convenient and ready in minutes, but they’re often more processed than the other varieties.
Coming next to their nutritional standpoint, oats are stacked with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants & more.4 This is why they’re a powerhouse for heart health, digestion, and even skincare.
5 Amazing Benefits Of Eating Oats Daily
1. Provides High Source Of Nutrition
Oats are nutrient-dense and packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They’re a great source of beta-glucan fiber and high-quality protein with essential amino acids.8 9
Just half a cup (40.5g) of dry oats provides:
- Manganese: 63.9% DV
- Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zinc: ~13% DV each
- Copper: 17.6% DV
- Iron: 9.4% DV
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 15.5% DV
- Vitamin B5, Folate, B6, B3: Present in smaller amounts
2. Keeps Heart Healthy
One of the key benefits of eating oats is their ability to support heart health. Oats contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. When you eat oats, beta-glucan forms a gel in your gut and traps cholesterol-rich bile acids. This process prevents your body from absorbing too much cholesterol, so your liver has to pull more cholesterol from your blood to make new bile acids. As a result, your overall cholesterol levels drop, reducing the risk of heart disease.11
Studies also show that eating at least 3 grams of oat beta-glucan daily can lower total and LDL cholesterol by 5-10%.12
3. Helps You Lose Weight
Yes, if you're overweight and struggling to lose weight, eating oats can be your best bet. They support weight loss as they are rich in fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which is slow to digest and makes you feel full for longer. When you consume oats or oatmeal, they absorb water and expand in your stomach. Thus, this helps suppress appetite and allows you to consume fewer calories during the day.13 14
Also, oats are high in fiber, so they can stabilise blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes that lead to cravings and overeating.15 This makes it easier to control your hunger and keep your weight in check. One of the biggest benefits of eating oats is that they make you feel full for hours, which can help you avoid unnecessary snacking.
4. Improves Gut Health
Oats keep your gut healthy because of beta-glucan fiber, which feeds the good bacteria in the stomach. This helps with smooth digestion and prevents bloating or constipation. And of course a healthy gut = glowing skin! You’re what you eat, after all. 16 17
5. Keeps Blood Sugar Level In Check
Oats maintain blood sugar levels consistently, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity. Their beta-glucan fiber slows digestion, preventing sugar spikes. Research also indicates that oats aid the body in utilising insulin (the blood sugar-regulating hormone) better, keeping it under control. 18
Now, shall we talk about the skin benefits of oats?
Just like oats nourish your body from the inside, they also soothe, hydrate, and protect your skin when applied topically. That’s why oat-based skincare products are popular for all ages—including babies!
3 Skincare Benefits Of Oats & Oatmeal
1. FDA-Approved Skin Protectant
The FDA recognises colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant, meaning it helps form a protective barrier that locks in moisture and shields the skin from irritants. This is especially beneficial for people with dry, sensitive, or damaged skin.19
2. Soothes Itchy & Irritated Skin
Oats have a special compound called avenanthramides that helps soothe itchiness, reduce redness, and calm irritation. That’s why you’ll see colloidal oatmeal in baby lotions, eczema creams, and gentle body washes. It works fast to relieve dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin, making it a go-to ingredient for all ages!20
3. Restores Skin’s pH Balance
Healthy skin maintains a slightly acidic pH ( 4.5 to 5.5), which acts as a barrier against bacteria and irritation. However, pollution, harsh soaps, and other environmental aggressors can strip your skin of its natural moisture, making it sensitive and irritated. Oats help restore the skin’s natural pH, keeping it hydrated, soothed, and protected.21
Why Oats Are Great For Your Baby’s Skin?
Babies have delicate skin that is susceptible to dryness, irritation, and rashes, often due to moisture from urine and stool, as well as friction from diapers. Colloidal oats are gentle, hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory & naturally soothing, which is why they’re a key ingredient in many baby lotions, creams, and powders. 22 23 24
Oats-Based Skincare For You & Your Little One
Here are some simple ways to use oats in your skincare routine:
- For Baby’s Diaper Rash – Apply an oat-based diaper rash cream to protect and soothe your baby's skin.
- For Excessive Sweating Or Wetness: Try a natural, oat-based dusting powder
- For Oatmeal Bath - Mix 1 cup of ground oats with warm water and soak your little one.
- DIY Oat Face Mask – Mix finely ground oats with honey and yoghurt to create a natural mask that hydrates and calms irritated skin.
- Oat Scrub –Combine oats with milk or rose water for gentle exfoliation.
- Oat Cleanser – Mix oat flour with water to create a mild, skin-friendly face wash.
Wrapping Up The Benefits Of Eating Oats...
Oats are a great breakfast option—they're packed with nutrients. The benefits of eating oats go far beyond the plate, supporting your overall health.. They help maintain heart health, support weight control, aid digestion, and even improve skin health, making them an excellent addition to your daily routine. However, it's always best to consult a dermatologist before applying anything new to your skin, especially if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
FAQs
1. Can I Eat Oats Every Day?
Yes! Oats are whole grains that are nutrient-dense, containing fiber, protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. Daily consumption of oatmeal can help with heart health, digestion, and weight control. Research also suggests that eating at least 3 grams of oat beta-glucan daily can help lower cholesterol and keep blood sugar levels in check.
2. Can Oats Help with Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting 2% of the world's population, typically causing red, scaly patches and itching. Due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, colloidal oatmeal is believed to help manage psoriasis symptoms by reducing irritation, itchiness, and dryness. While oatmeal can provide relief, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist for a comprehensive psoriasis treatment plan.
3. What Is The Best Time To Eat Oats & Oatmeal?
Oats are a satiating food that keeps you full for longer. Whether you eat them for breakfast, before a workout, or even a light evening meal, they give you a good energy boost and also support digestion.
