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By Alice McFarlane

Healthy Oats

Research to support claims oats prevents disease

Oct 12, 2022 | 4:10 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – Oats are among the healthiest grains on the planet. It’s already recognized as a healthy food because of its soluble fibre content.

They’re a gluten-free whole grain and a source of important minerals and antioxidants. They also contain manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, and vitamins B1 and B5.

Many studies have shown that the beta-glucan fiber in oats is effective at reducing both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

In order to make an official, government-approved health claim that oat protein can positively affect cholesterol and blood glucose, more research is needed.

Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced the Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA) will receive $106,000 to pay for new research trials to better understand the role oats play in disease prevention.

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Findings from this project will help create new market opportunities for Canadian oat producers, according to Bibeau.

“We’ve always known that Canadian crops are nutritious and through research, we are able to determine the long-term health benefits of our harvests, including their disease-fighting properties,” Bibeau said. “This project is not only an investment in the health of Canadians, but it also opens doors to new market opportunities for our farmers and food processors.”

St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre in Winnipeg, Man. is working with POGA to conduct animal feeding trials with oats. The goal is to determine exactly how oat protein is digested and what effect it has on reducing cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

The data, which is expected to be published and peer-reviewed by early 2023, is part of a verification process needed to make a health claim that oat protein can positively affect cholesterol and blood glucose.

Consumer interest in the health benefits of the grain has helped Canadian oat producers transform their sector from a bulk exporter 30 years ago to one that is largely selling value-added products and ingredients.

A new health claim about oat protein could help the industry further diversify market opportunities, and stimulate increased demand and economic benefits for Canadian oat growers while contributing to healthier diets for consumers.

POGA Executive Shawna Mathieson said the funding is essential for commodities like oats to be able to have the necessary research to apply for potential new health claims.

“Health claims let consumers have a better understanding of how eating certain foods can help improve their health and, if the results are positive, give consumers yet another reason to eat the safe and healthy oats produced right here in Canada,” Mathieson said.

Canada is the largest exporter of oats in the world, with export sales valued at $465 million in 2020. The three prairie provinces account for more than 90 per cent of Canada’s oat production.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW