Hulless Oats

Hulless oats, also called “naked oats”, are ranked as one of the healthiest foods in the world. Unlike steel cut oats or oat groats that you normally find at a health store, hulless oats are not processed and are completely raw- meaning that heat has never been applied to them. They maintain their “life force” and can be sprouted.

Sprouting is simply the best way to prepare grains. It activates enzymes, improves amino acid and vitamin content, releases anti-nutrients and improves digestibility. It only takes about 36 hours for the oats to sprout so that you can enjoy the healthiest cereal breakfast imaginable! Our favorite Markito Nutrition breakfast includes hulless oats, kamut, buckwheat, chia, fruit and homemade almond milk. It just doesn’t get better than this in terms of health, nutrition and taste! It’s time to throw out your store-bought processed breakfast cereal and introduce this one to your family.

“During World War II, people were advised to use sprouted seeds as sources of vitamin C in the event that the supplies of fresh produce became limited. Nevertheless, few people are aware of the other improvements in nutritive value which result from the sprouting of the cereal grains.” Ensminger, M. E, Ensminger, A. H. (1993). Foods & Nutrition Encyclopedia, Two Volume Set. 2nd Ed. CRC Press.

NUTRITIONAL IMPROVEMENT OF CEREALS BY SPROUTING
In a 1989 meta-analysis of existing studies, JK Chavan and SS Kadam found evidence that “Sprouting of grains for a limited period causes increased activities of hydrolytic enzymes, improvement in the contents of certain essential amino acids, total sugars, and B-group vitamins, and a decrease in dry matter, starch, and antinutrients. The digestibilities of storage proteins and starch are improved due to their partial hydrolysis during sprouting.” Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 1989; 28(5):401-37.

Here are eight health benefits of whole oats according to latest research:

First, oats contain a large amount of soluble and insoluble fiber which absorb and excrete cholesterol out of the body. Regular consumption of oats can play an important role in preventing cardiac, cerebral and vascular diseases.

Second, a daily serving of whole oats can reduce hypertension, or high blood pressure, thus reducing the need for anti-hypertensive medication.

Third, the high-viscosity soluble fibers in whole oats serve to delay the emptying of the stomach, increase the feeling of satiety, and control appetite while giving you a sustained amount of energy throughout the day. Including oats in your daily diet is ideal for healthy and effective weight loss.

Fourth, oats are valued as a great source of energy and as a means of improving athletic performance. Oats have been shown in scientific studies to favorably alter metabolism and enhance performance when ingested 45 minutes to 1 hour before exercise of moderate intensity. Futhermore, oats have a higher concentration of well-balanced protein than other cereals.

Fifth, whole oats promote healthy bowel movement. Many elderly people will suffer from dry stool which may easily lead to cerebral vascular accident. In such cases oats will serve by eliminating issues brought by constipation.

Sixth, oats contain a variety of minerals, such as calcium and iron, that help prevent osteoporosis and anemia, and promote the healing of wounds. Furthermore, whole oats contain phytochemicals (plant chemicals) which have been associated with protection from chronic disease such as cancer.

Seventh, whole oats contain a good balance of essential fatty acids which have been linked with longevity and general good health.