Among the nine staple grains commonly consumed by the Chinese people—wheat, rice, corn, etc.—oats hold the highest economic value, primarily due to their superior nutritional, medicinal, and feed qualities.
【Nutritional Value】
According to a comprehensive analysis by the Institute of Hygiene, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chinese naked oats contain 15.6% crude protein, 8.5% fat, starch for energy release, and elements like phosphorus, iron, and calcium. Compared to the other eight grains, oats rank among the top in all these aspects.Oats contain 4.7 times more water-soluble dietary fiber than wheat and 7.7 times more than corn. They are rich in B vitamins, niacin, folic acid, and pantothenic acid, particularly vitamin E, with 15 milligrams per 100 grams of oat flour. Additionally, oat flour contains saponins (a primary component of ginseng), which are absent in other cereal grains.Its protein amino acid profile is comprehensive, ranking first in all eight essential amino acids, notably containing 0.68 grams of lysine.
Oatmeal porridge is rich in magnesium and vitamin B1, while also providing phosphorus, potassium, iron, pantothenic acid, copper, and fiber. It helps lower cholesterol and offers auxiliary benefits for fatty liver disease, diabetes, and constipation.Uncooked oat bran is rich in magnesium, vitamin B1, phosphorus, and potassium, and also contains iron, zinc, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and copper. Oatmeal improves blood circulation and promotes wound healing. Medical Value The medicinal value and health benefits of oats have been recognized by medical communities throughout history and across cultures.It lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, prevents colorectal cancer, and guards against heart disease. According to five rounds of animal trials and three rounds of clinical observations involving 997 cases conducted between 1981 and 1985 by 18 medical institutions including the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing Cardiovascular Research Center, and Beijing Haidian Hospital, naked oats can prevent and treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases caused by hyperlipidemia.Specifically, consuming naked oat flakes for three months (100 grams daily) significantly reduces cholesterol, triglycerides, and β-lipoproteins in the cardiovascular system and liver, with an overall efficacy rate of 87.2%. Its therapeutic effect shows no significant difference from that for coronary heart disease and is free of side effects. It also demonstrates equally pronounced efficacy for secondary hyperlipidemia caused by liver or kidney disorders, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and other conditions.Long-term consumption of oatmeal aids in managing diabetes and obesity.【Feed Value】
Oat leaves and straw are succulent, tender, and highly palatable. According to Livestock Husbandry Science, naked oat straw contains 5.2% crude protein, 2.2% crude fat, and 44.6% nitrogen-free extract—all higher than rice straw, wheat straw, and corn stalks.while containing 28.2% indigestible fiber—4.9% to 16.4% lower than wheat, corn, and millet straw—making it one of the finest forage crops. Its seeds serve as high-quality feed for young livestock, elderly animals, sick animals, heavy-duty work animals, as well as poultry and livestock like chickens and pigs.
【Nutritional Value】
Rich in starch, protein, fat, B vitamins, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, and other nutrients, it benefits the liver and stomach while promoting skin health. Oats also exhibit antibacterial and antioxidant properties, effectively boosting immunity against influenza during spring.【Food Pairings】
【Oat Milk】Enhances absorption of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and various trace elements.
【Oat and Yam】Promotes longevity and serves as a therapeutic dish for diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia patients.
【Oat and Pumpkin】Nourishes the liver and stomach, moistens the intestines for smooth bowel movements, lowers blood pressure, and reduces blood lipids.