food as medicine

 
 

 
 

In partnership with

kroger health



 
 

Cooking with Oats: Benefits and How-To

Oats are one of the simplest, most versatile and inexpensive ways to get your fill of whole grains.

 

 
 

Ashley Martinez

 
 

In partnership with

kroger health


 

Cooking with Oats: Benefits and How-To

Oats are one of the simplest, most versatile and inexpensive ways to get your fill of whole grains.

 

 


In partnership with

kroger health



 
 

What are they?


Oats are a whole grain primarily grown in cool-temperate climates; more than half of the world’s growth occurs in the northern hemisphere. Oats are typically grown in the summer or autumn months; after the oat seeds are planted, they stay dormant throughout the winter and harvesting usually takes place mid-summer. Farmers use a machine called a combine to harvest the oats, which separates the stem of the plant from the oats. Thus, oats are milled and husked and prepared for consumption.


 
 

RECIPES USING OATS

 
 

What are the potential health benefits?


In 1997, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a health claim for Beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber in oats, was found to reduce blood cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease. A growing body of research continues to support that oats may decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes and provide fiber, helping to slow the spike of sugar in the blood.

 

 
 

Oh, Oatmeal: Creative Ways to Spice Up Your Daily Bowl

Sweet and savory ideas for this heart-friendly food.

Learn More
 

 

How do you cook with them?


Oats are extremely versatile and delicious—they can take on any flavor and can be used in many different forms. As a gluten-free* whole grain, you can use them in a variety of dishes ranging from meatloaf to power bites, breakfast bars, granola, pancakes and even savory oats. My favorite and most unique way to eat oats is my savory “time-crunch” oatmeal recipe. I use a ½ cup of oatmeal, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, scallions and one sunny-side-up egg with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sometimes I’ll mix in riced cauliflower to sneak in another vegetable.

*Some oats are processed in facilities with gluten. Please ensure to check the label if avoiding gluten.

A few tips and tricks:

1. Add chia seeds for thicker oats with a little more texture.

2. Toast your oatmeal in a little bit of butter before adding liquid. Toasting the oats adds a nutty flavor. 

3. It can help to slightly undercook oats. They will continue to absorb moisture and thicken so that by the time they’re cool enough to eat, the oats will be at the right consistency.


 
 

What are they?


Oats are a whole grain primarily grown in cool-temperate climates; more than half of the world’s growth occurs in the northern hemisphere. Oats are typically grown in the summer or autumn months; after the oat seeds are planted, they stay dormant throughout the winter and harvesting usually takes place mid-summer. Farmers use a machine called a combine to harvest the oats, which separates the stem of the plant from the oats. Thus, oats are milled and husked and prepared for consumption.

 

RECIPES USING TURMERIC

 

What are the potential health benefits?


In 1997, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a health claim for Beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber in oats, was found to reduce blood cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease. A growing body of research continues to support that oats may decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes and provide fiber, helping to slow the spike of sugar in the blood.

 

Oh, Oatmeal: Creative Ways to Spice Up Your Daily Bowl

Sweet and savory ideas for this heart-friendly food.

Learn More
 

How do you cook with them?


Oats are extremely versatile and delicious—they can take on any flavor and can be used in many different forms. As a gluten-free* whole grain, you can use them in a variety of dishes ranging from meatloaf to power bites, breakfast bars, granola, pancakes and even savory oats. My favorite and most unique way to eat oats is my savory “time-crunch” oatmeal recipe. I use a ½ cup of oatmeal, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, scallions and one sunny-side-up egg with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sometimes I’ll mix in riced cauliflower to sneak in another vegetable.

*Some oats are processed in facilities with gluten. Please ensure to check the label if avoiding gluten.

A few tips and tricks:

1. Add chia seeds for thicker oats with a little more texture.

2. Toast your oatmeal in a little bit of butter before adding liquid. Toasting the oats adds a nutty flavor. 

3. It can help to slightly undercook oats. They will continue to absorb moisture and thicken so that by the time they’re cool enough to eat, the oats will be at the right consistency.

 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley Martinez (MFN, RDN, LD, NASM-CPT) is a chef/dietitian for Kroger Health. She is involved in meal kit design, recipe development, 1:1 patient care, and working closely with food organizations to provide nutrition education for all. Eating is all about the experience, and Ashley believes no food should be off limits. As a personal trainer, professional cheerleader and group fitness instructor, incorporating fitness into her routine is also an important part of Ashley’s balanced approach to wellness.

Did you know? You can meet virtually with a Kroger dietitian to help you achieve your personal wellness nutrition goals. Learn more about Telenutrition.

Connect with Ashley
 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley Martinez (MFN, RDN, LD, NASM-CPT) is a chef/dietitian for Kroger Health. She is involved in meal kit design, recipe development, 1:1 patient care, and working closely with food organizations to provide nutrition education for all. Eating is all about the experience, and Ashley believes no food should be off limits. As a personal trainer, professional cheerleader and group fitness instructor, incorporating fitness into her routine is also an important part of Ashley’s balanced approach to wellness.

Did you know? You can meet virtually with a Kroger dietitian to help you achieve your personal wellness nutrition goals. Learn more about Telenutrition.

Connect with Ashley