Oats

Oats are a type of whole grain cereal that are loved for their health benefits which include high fibre, protein, vitamins, and key minerals. Most people use them for breakfast meals like oatmeal and porridge because they release energy slowly and keep one feeling full for long. Furthermore, oats are very versatile and can be incorporated into your diet in plenty of ways such as in baking, as overnight oats, in granolas and even as a flour substitute. One common mistake when cooking oats is not using the right liquid ratio which can result in a mushy or overly thick texture. For steel-cut oats, the ratio might be 4:1 liquid to oats whereas for rolled oats, it's often 2:1. Always check the instructions on the packaging, or use your taste as the best guide on texture. Another area where people falter is in the assumption that oats are boring or bland. When prepared correctly and with a few simple additions like fresh fruit, nuts, and a little sweetener or spices, they can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. To get the most out of oats, always buy them in their least processed form as the more processing they undergo, the less nutritious they end up being. Whole oat groats are the least processed, followed by steel cut oats, then rolled oats and lastly, quick oats which tend to be the most processed. Most oats are gluten-free. However, if you have celiac disease, it’s important to look for oats that are labelled gluten-free as some oats can be contaminated by wheat during processing.