When it relates to wholegrains, there are various layers and parts that each serve a specific purpose.
Some are nutritious and edible, while others are not. In this specific instance, oat bran constitutes the outermost layer of the groat that lies just beneath the oat grain’s inedible hull.
The external casing of oat grain is known as oat bran. The grains go through processing to extract the inedible husk of the grain, leaving behind the kernel known as an oat groat.
Both oat groats as well as steel-cut oats naturally contain bran.
However, when oatmeal is even further processed, the bran is removed, allowing the oatmeal to cook faster.
As a result, oat bran is now sold separately by many fine food stores and whole grain manufacturers (see also ‘10 Popped Grains‘). This article will discuss oat bran and whether it is a healthy addition to your diet.
What’s The Distinction Between Oat Bran And Oatmeal?
Oatmeal and oat bran consist of wholegrain oats. However, nutritive benefits, manufacturing costs, cooking preparation, texture and taste differ between oat bran and oatmeal.
Since it has extra protein and fiber, and sugar than oatmeal, it is a little more nutritious. Furthermore, potassium availability has increased.
How Are Oat Fiber And Oat Bran Different?
Oat fiber is created by milling the hulls which are kept separate from the groats.
It is limited in digestible carbohydrates, and the fiber absorbs a lot of water and dissolves easily. This is terrific for baking!
As previously stated, oat bran is the external casing that encompasses the oat groat and segregates the husk.
What Is The Purpose Of Oat Bran?
This breakfast option is similar to supercharged oatmeal. It is rich in fiber, which naturally absorbs water and helps you feel full for a longer period of time.
How Do You Consume Oat Bran?
Breakfast cereals and yogurts benefit from adding a little bit of oat bran. It is also used in the preparation of a warm creamy porridge-like cereal.
Oat bran can be introduced to homemade casseroles and also functions as a crucial element in several baking recipes such as oat bran baked goods.
Is Oat Bran Similar To Oatmeal?
Oat bran has such a rich flavor and aroma that is semi-sweet. It differs slightly from the features of oatmeal in relation to flavor, cooking, and texture; however, you’ll definitely enjoy its rich, creamy flavor.
Simply toast the oat bran on parchment paper at 375°F for approximately five minutes, or until golden brown, to create a nutty, rich aroma. The fragrance is great, and the flavor is delectable.
Can Oat Bran Be Used In Place Of Oatmeal?
Oatmeal is often used in baking for foods such as muffins and cakes (Check out another use for Oatmeal Here). It’s also a rich and tasty breakfast staple.
Oat bran can be used in place of oatmeal when desired. Understand that when using oat bran instead of oatmeal, the consistency, texture and overall taste will differ slightly.
Using Oat Bran In Baking
Oat bran functions as a great way to experiment in the kitchen without jeopardizing the freshness of your cakes and muffins.
Implementing oat bran in your favorite treat will give it a chewy, unique, and tasty texture while also increasing the quantity of minerals and vitamins it contains.
There are numerous baking foods that oat bran is used for, ranging from cakes to oat bran bread.
The best way to enjoy oat bran flour’s great flavor and health benefits is to incorporate it into a delicious muffin recipe – such as oat bran cinnamon muffins, for example.
This muffin recipe is memorable for its creaminess and rich flavor from oat bran – you can find lots of different cinnamon muffin recipes online or in cook books.
These delectable muffins are light and delicious and can be relished as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.
Other Applications For Oat Bran
If cereal isn’t your thing in the morning, try incorporating oat bran in a savory dinner dish instead.
Oat bran could be introduced to casseroles and chicken pies to increase the creamy and richness factors.
Even though oat bran isn’t really substitutable in all meals, they could be utilized in similar food types.
If you usually add oats to a dinner recipe, try switching it up and using oat bran alternatively. You might find that you prefer the new edition even more.
Health Benefits Of Oat Bran
Oat bran has numerous health benefits due to its high concentration of naturally occurring fiber.
As a result, research suggests that consuming oats can enhance digestive processes, lower LDL cholesterol levels, and safeguard against heart disease.
Soluble fiber found in oatmeal, oat bran, and oat fiber may help lower LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
A daily intake of 5 to 10 g. of soluble fiber can dramatically reduce LDL cholesterol absorption.
One of the advantages of this food is that just one portion includes enough soluble fiber to meet this requirement.
Oat bran functions as a healthy superfood because it contains soluble fiber, which can decrease LDL cholesterol in the body.
When oat bran is swapped for other carbohydrate-rich foods, it may decrease the need for insulin injections.
Insoluble fiber aids in the passage of stool through the intestines.
Both soluble and insoluble fiber can be found in oat bran. The increased bulk is a result of the high fiber content.
Fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants are abundant in oat bran. Furthermore, it may benefit cardiovascular health, help stabilize blood sugar levels, aid digestion, and promote weight loss.
Even though oat bran is gluten-free, a few people have reported oat sensitivity similar to gluten sensitivity.
If you are concerned, check the oats adverse effects for further information.
Summary
The outermost part of an oat groat, just underneath the inedible hull, is known as oat bran.
While bran is naturally present in oats, it is also available as a separate product.
Many health benefits have been linked to oat bran, including better blood sugar regulation, healthy digestive activity, and reduced cholesterol and blood pressure.
