Oats feature in many dietary guidelines and are often associated with good health. According to Health Canada, this is primarily due to the fibre content of oats.
Researchers at the University of Manitoba now point out that another component of oats may have independent significance for health, namely their protein content.
The interest comes at a time when plant-based proteins and their role in disease prevention, particularly cardiovascular disease, are being intensively studied.
Animal studies
According to the University of Manitoba, researchers have conducted two animal studies to investigate the effects of oat protein.
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The first study, published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, focused on rats fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet.
The results showed lower levels of cholesterol associated with increased disease risk, as well as improved heart function, in rats that were given oat protein.
The researchers conclude that oat protein influenced the body’s ability to process fats.
A second study, published in Nutrients, examined rats with high blood pressure.
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In this study, blood pressure decreased and the heart’s structure was subjected to less strain in the animals that received oat protein.
Blood pressure and cholesterol
Sijo Joseph of the University of Manitoba told Medical Xpress that high blood pressure and cholesterol are key risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and that both were improved in the experiments.
The researchers also highlight that oat protein is easy to digest, which may have practical significance in food products compared with other plant proteins.
Answers will come later
It is important to point out that the results are based exclusively on animal studies.
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According to the University of Manitoba, this type of research is used to assess biological effects before testing in humans.
The research group therefore plans clinical trials. Only then can it be determined whether oat protein can genuinely play a greater role in the human diet.
Sources: Medical Xpress, Health Canada, Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, and Nutrients.
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