Nutritionists keep adding to oats' good reputation. In new research, Mohsen Meydani of Tufts University found that oats contain compounds, called avenanthramides, that may suppress the ability of blood cells to cling to artery walls, where they incite inflammation, plaque buildup and, eventually, a possible heart attack.
Previous research found that oats are rich in water-soluble fiber thought to reduce bad cholesterol and that oats help stabilize blood sugar.
All of this makes oats a health-food champ, as a cereal, in breads and cookies, as a thickener in stews and as a crispy topping on fruit desserts.
Copyright 2004 Jean Carper. Printed first in USA Weekend. All rights reserved.
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