Oat Bran Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Oat bran is the bran of the oat grain (Avena sativa). The oat grain has multiple parts including the outer hull, the inner bran layer and the endosperm. During processing, oat grains are removed from their inedible hull, and the oat bran can also be separated.¹

Oat bran is flakey so it can be cooked on its own to make a cereal. If you’re taking oat bran for health uses, it can be eaten raw or cooked or it can be applied topically as a paste when mixed with a bit of water.

Oat Bran Health Uses and Health Benefits

Oat bran health benefits come from its excellent nutritional profile. Oat bran is commonly known for being high in fiber. One cup of oat bran contains almost 4 grams of fiber. But oat bran is also high in other essential minerals and vitamins. Among these are manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and folate (vitamin B9). ²

Because of its high in fiber, oat bran for constipation prevention is a common natural remedy. Fiber helps to increase stool bulk and soften it for easier digestion. Oat bran uses for lowering cholesterol are also becoming more well-known. Research has shown that oat bran binds to bad cholesterol (LDL) to encourage its elimination and prevent it from being absorbed by the body. ^3,4

Other oat bran health benefits include:

• Lowering risk of heart disease
• Stabilizing blood sugar levels
• Aiding in weight loss
• Boosting immune system function
• Protecting against breast cancer

References

1. http://www.livestrong.com/article/446785-oat-bran-vs-rolled-oats/
2. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/5703/2 
3. http://www.livestrong.com/article/352095-the-benefits-of-oat-bran/ 
4. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=54