Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Works For Me Wednesday: Soaking Your Oats

Pin It Now! I think I have heard a saying about "sowing your oats" or something like that, but that is not what I am talking about today. :)


Oats, like other gluten-containing grains are not easily digested by us humans because they contain phytic acid. This acid is located in the outer layer of the bran, which binds minerals and can block their absorption. This is possibly why so many people have an allergy to whole wheat since it is the highest in phytic acid. (Good grief, aren't they telling us to eat more whole wheat for our health's sake?)

Soaking oatmeal, and all other grains for that matter, will make them easier to digest because one, it neutralizes the phytic acid, especially if the water is acidic,and two, lactobacilli break down the gluten and other proteins that are difficult to digest. These 2 components combined make the nutrients in the oatmeal available to us. The acidic water also encourages the production of many beneficial enzymes, which enhances the vitamin content, especially the B vitamins.


**So here's a very simple thing you can do to up the nutritional value of your oatmeal:

Mix 2 cups rolled oats and 2 cups warm water and let it soak overnight. (adding 4T. plain yogurt, sour milk, or buttermilk helps.)

The next morning you will need to add your soaked oats to boiling water (recipe says 2 cups but I use less), reduce heat and simmer until hot.

I love to eat mine with chopped nuts, chopped banana, brown sugar and milk!



Visit Rocksinmydryer for more handy hints.


*Sorry no WFMW label or other photos--Hubby took the laptop to work.

4 comments:

Staci said...

Great post. This is also the case with beans. :)

HONEY said...

I like the steel-cut oats. Have always soaked them overnight as it also shortens the half-hour cook time in the morning. I like my oats with diced apples, raisins, cinnamon & a touch of brown sugar! Now that's a breakfast that will get ya goin! :-)

Staci said...

Oddly enough, I just came across an article about soaking rice as well! Apparently, soaking is beneficial for a lot of things. Back in the day, it seems grains were almost ALWAYS soaked before using them. That would definitely explain why so many people are having problems with grains these days.

I will be interested to do some research on gluten intolerance with regard to soaking....maybe my saving grace in the kitchen?????

HONEY said...

Ask AJ to post about NOT soaking the beans & inviting the family for dinner. Think that was my first taste of "crunchy" chili! :-)

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