OATS: The Heart-Healthy Secret in Your BREAD

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OATS: The Heart-Healthy Secret in Your BREAD

By Alpro Pharmacy

September 26, 2023

It's Bread O'Clock! Time to Slice into a Healthier You!

From Hand-Crushed Grains to Today's Variety

Bread, one of the oldest foods, has come a long way since 30,000 years ago, ancient bakers crushed grains by hand with pestle and mortar to make the first bread – flatbreads. Back then, all bread was unleavened, meaning it didn’t have any rising agents, and it was made from a mix of different grains. Fast forward to today, bread-making has undergone a remarkable transformation. We’ve embraced a world of bread varieties, like Bagels, Pretzels, French Baguettes, Pita Bread, Sourdough, sliced bread loaves and many more!

Understanding Different Grains

When we talk about bread, it’s important to know more about the main ingredients – Grains, first. Grains include Wheat, Corn (maize), Rice, Barley, Oats, Rye, Millet, and Quinoa. These are the basic ingredients that give bread its unique flavours and textures.

The age-old question of choosing between refined and whole grain bread is more than a matter of taste; it’s a decision that shapes your nutritional intake.

Decoding Refined Grain Bread vs Whole Grain Bread

For refined grain bread, the grains are milled into their refined form, the nutritious bran and germ are stripped away, leaving only the starchy middle layer. The end product would be white bread that we commonly know.

On the other hand, whole grains encompass every nutritious part of the grain, remaining the bran (the outer layer with its fibre, B-vitamins, and minerals) and germ (the nutrient-packed heart or core of the grain) intact during the bread-making process.

Source: Nutrition Month Malaysia. Go Whole Grain. https://www.nutritionmonthmalaysia.org.my/publications/your-only-choice-eat-healthy-be-active/

Unlock the Heart-Healthy Secrets of Whole Grains

Heart Disease is still the leading cause of death in Malaysia and one of the well known whole grains, oats do have a starring role in heart health.

It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including thiamin (Vitamin B1), riboflavin (Vitamin B2), niacin (Vitamin B3), folate (Vitamin B9), iron, magnesium and selenium, all of which play a role in reducing the risk of heart diseases.

Beta-glucan, a type of fibre found in oats plays a significant role in reducing LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Research from the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that 10 grams increment in fibre intake can decrease the risk of heart disease-related death by 10%!

The Best Thing since Sliced Bread

Now that you know whole grain bread’s benefits, what are you waiting for? Introducing you to the Sunshine 100% Australian Oat Wholemeal bread, crafted with Whole Wheat flour and the premium Australian Rolled Oats. These two wholesome whole grain ingredients not only contribute to the bread’s healthiness but also enrich its flavour, ensuring a delicious and nutritious combination.

With its remarkably high fibre content, low fat, and low sugar, it’s precisely what you need to nurture your heart and maintain a healthy body. Elevate your daily bread to this wholesome delight, because it’s the best thing since sliced bread!

Need More Information? Talk to Our Expert!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alpro ePharmacy or visit the nearest Alpro Pharmacy. Our team, consisting of pharmacists, doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists, audiologists and dietitians, is ready to assist and provide support.