Exploring the Nutritional Benefits of Oatcakes

Oatcakes have long been part of a balanced diet. Interestingly this dietary staple also boasts a plethora of vital minerals and vitamins which are important for maintaining good health.

Oatcakes are a popular food right around the globe. A wholegrain food which is complemented by a range of delectable toppings or just as delicious on their own, oatcakes are an easy way to ensure vital minerals and vitamins are included in your diet. So for everything from staying energised to packing your diet full of antioxidants, oatcakes are the ideal means to making sure a balanced diet is maintained.

So what kind of vitamins can you expect to find in an oatcake? Three of the most recognisable vitamins are Thiamin, Riboflavin and Niacin which are all part of the B-vitamin family. Ideal for releasing energy from foods, the main source of these vitamins comes from cereal products such as oatcakes. Unlike other cereals such as refined wheat, oats boast a fully natural energy boost.

Another key vitamin family present in oatcakes are antioxidants. A key player for fighting off free radicals which cause body tissues to age over time, antioxidants are thought to be key to maintaining a youthful appearance and energised spring in ones step. Some antioxidants are also thought to help ward off cancers and other long-term diseases. Anyone whose diet contains oatcakes can be safe in the knowledge that with every bite they are consuming an anti oxidising blend of selenium and Vitamin E.

Believe it or not, the nervous system can also benefit greatly from a diet rich in oatcakes and other oat-related products. One of the most important parts of the body, the central nervous system or (CNS) coordinates, sends and receives signals from the brain to other parts of the body. Magnesium, Viatmin B6 and Potassium are all present in oatcakes and some of the most essential minerals for a healthy CNS system.

Oatcakes are also a wholegrain food and as such contain a rich variety of phytochemicals. These act as antioxidants and complement those in fruits and vegetables when consumed together. For this reason, it is a great idea to combine oatcakes with a fruity topping. The most important groups of phytochemicals found in oats are: phenolics, carotenoids, vitamin E compounds, and lignans.

So to summarise, oatcakes are beneficial for a variety of reasons. The main benefits are: improved weight loss, improved level of satisfaction as they keep you fuller for longer, they provide sustained levels of energy, and also help to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.