Oats might seem simple, but they’re one of the most powerful staples you can add to your daily routine. Naturally rich in fibre particularly beta-glucan - oats are well known for supporting heart health. This soluble fibre helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease over time.

Oats offer more than just heart health benefits, they’re also excellent for digestion. Their high fibre content supports regularity and nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, promoting overall gut wellbeing. If you find yourself getting hungry not long after eating, oats can help with that too. Because they digest slowly, they help you feel fuller for longer and support more stable blood sugar levels, providing steady energy throughout the day.

Oats also contain important nutrients like magnesium, iron, and B vitamins, all of which play a role in energy production and overall wellbeing. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy them as a warm bowl of porridge, overnight oats, or blended into smoothies, they’re an easy addition to a balanced diet.

For years, oats were commonly placed on the “avoid” list for anyone with gluten intolerance. But the story isn’t quite that simple anymore. Today, there are specially produced oats that are suitable for people avoiding gluten.

The issue has never really been the oat itself -it’s how it’s handled. Oats are often grown and processed alongside grains like wheat, barley, and rye, which naturally contain gluten. This can lead to cross-contamination, meaning even small traces of gluten can end up in regular oat products. Because of this risk, Australian food labelling laws don’t currently allow oats to be officially labelled as gluten free.

However, some Australian producers are going further by closely managing every stage from cultivation and harvesting to processing and testing to ensure their oats stay free from gluten contamination.

It’s important to note that oats contain a naturally occurring protein called avenin. While most people with gluten intolerance tolerate this well, some individuals with coeliac disease may still react to it and are generally advised to avoid oats altogether. For those with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, however, these specially produced oats can often be a suitable option.

With ANZAC Day just around the corner, that’s welcome news meaning gluten-free ANZAC biscuits are back on the table.

For more information about oats, drop into Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North Street, Batemans Bay. You can also call us on (02) 4472 9737 or visit us online at www.govitabatemansbay.com.au. Don’t miss our weekly segment on 2EC radio, where Marianne and Go Vita's Nutritionist Sofia chat about health and wellness with Kimmi Saker every Wednesday after 12.30pm.