The Benefits of Oats for the Elderly

Oats, or Groats as they are also known, are well known for their wonderful benefits for people of all ages. But it is the elderly who derive the greatest use from the seeds and leaves of this grass. Oats belongs to the specie Avena sativa.  An annual grass, oats has long leaves and golden, spindle shaped seeds. Both the seeds and the stalk (oat straw) are used as edible parts.

Oats - The Best Breakfast Food

It is a well known fact that oats make a wonderful, nutritious breakfast for people in all stages of life.It has low sugar yet givesenergy to thebody. This high nutrition edible plant food is the 5thin the list of most healthy foods in the world.

The presence of soluble fiber in this plant product postpones the emptying of the stomach. As it also subdues hunger pangs, this is a great way for the elderly to lose excess weight without resorting to weight loss drugs. This natural product gives a satiated feeling that prevents the elderly from eating too soon after breakfast or too much at one go. This further helps in following a weight control regimen.

Aid for Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common old age problems and oats is an effective remedy for this as well. The high viscosity fibers that the seed and straw of oats contain help ease bowel movement so that irritation, pain and other more serious problems arising from improper bowel functioning can be avoided.

A Storehouse of Essential Minerals

Studies have shown that oats have a number of minerals that are essential for the proper functioning of the body. It contains calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and iron in adequate quantities. These are very helpful in prevention of another common old age problem- osteoporosis.  Healing of open wounds is also quickened by these substances. Anemic people find the iron in oats a good way to fortify their blood in a natural way. Those who require calcium supplements also benefit from including oats in their daily diet.

Oats in Different Forms

Oats are used in many different forms to treat various problems. Oat straw, the stalk of the grass, is made into a tea to treat osteoporosis and to build overall bone strength.  This teais also found to have analgesic properties. Those elderly people who are prone to anxiety attacks also use this herbal concoction with great effect.

Insomnia is a common old age problem that can be cured with green oats. This has a calming and soothing effect that promotes healthy and uninterrupted sleep. Wild oats is a natural aphrodisiac and is believed to enhance strength and vitality. Regular consumption of oats is proven to reduce and control cholesterol levels.

Cosmetic Use

Oats are also used in a variety of cosmetic products to promote skin health and improve skin hydration. Dry skin, which many older people suffer from, may be treated with good effect by applying cosmetics that contain this natural product.

Oats are not just good for the body but also help improve the appearance of the elderly person by effectively remedying several old age skin problems. Regular consumption of this plant and its parts helps keep the human body healthy and active so that the elderly can enjoy a completely independent lifestyle.

The Best Part website is hosted by Brenda Rusnak. Brenda is a physiotherapist by profession who worked for most of her professional career providing rehabilitation solutions for senior citizens. Now, approaching mid-life herself, she takes what she has learned from her former patients, as well as her many healthy, dynamic 50+ friends, to uncover how men and women over the age of 50 really can experience the best part of their lives. Join her, as you make the journey through the Best Part of life! For more information about healthy-aging and Brenda Rusnak, check her out at brendarusnak.com.

 

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