A study published in Nature Communications examines how an oat-based diet affects the body’s metabolism.
According to the University of Bonn, the diet led to an increase in specific gut bacteria.
These bacteria produce, among other compounds, phenolic substances such as ferulic acid.
In animal studies, ferulic acid has shown a positive effect on cholesterol metabolism.
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Researchers also point out that the breakdown of the amino acid histidine in the gut may help counteract the development of insulin resistance.
The study therefore highlights the role of the gut in regulating both cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Measurable changes
The biological findings were accompanied by tangible health improvements.
Participants following the oat-based diet experienced a reduction in LDL cholesterol of approximately 10 percent.
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LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, according to information from the Cleveland Clinic.
At the same time, participants lost an average of two kilograms, and their blood pressure decreased slightly.
According to researcher Marie-Christine Simon, a reduction of 10 percent is significant, even though it cannot be directly compared to the effects of modern cholesterol-lowering medications.
It is striking that the changes occurred after such a short period.
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Study design
In two randomized trials involving individuals with metabolic syndrome, researchers tested either a short, high-dose oat intervention (300 g daily for two days) or a moderate amount (80 g daily for six weeks), compared with a control diet.
Both oat-based diets increased the level of phenolic metabolites in the blood, but the short, intensive oat regimen also significantly reduced total and LDL cholesterol after just two days, by around 10 percent.
The study included 32 adults with metabolic syndrome. They consumed 300 grams of oats daily, divided into three meals, for six weeks, prepared with water and supplemented with fruit and vegetables.
Caloric intake corresponded to approximately half of their normal daily requirement.
Even short-term periods of oat consumption may help stabilize cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases.
Sources: LADbible, Nature Communications, and Cleveland Clinic.
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