Importance of Oats in Cutting Death Toll

Before you consider what medicine, consider first the natural potential of oats to save lives by lowering cholesterol levels.

These were outlined at a recent Heart UK Symposium(1) on diet and heart health by Oxford consultant physician Dr Andrew Neil who told delegates how research has suggested that an 11% reduction in total cholesterol would result in a 23% reduction in coronary heart disease.

Oats headed his list of heart-friendly foods which also included soya protein, garlic and fish oils. "Daily oats in the diet could result in a 2-3% reduction in total cholesterol levels in free-living subjects"said Dr Neil.

This compares with a 3-5% reduction in blood cholesterol from restricting total fat in the diet to 25-35% of calories including keeping saturated fat down to 7% of calorific intake. This has been the main dietary thrust of the healthy heart message (US National Cholesterol Education Program, NCEP, Adult Treatment Panel 111 recommendations).

With Oatly, an oat 'milk'from Sweden, you can drink your way to health. With up to 30% of deaths from coronary heart disease thought to be due to an unhealthy diet this is a natural route you may want to consider. By adjusting the family menu to include more heart-friendly foods and cutting down on fat, particularly saturated fat, it is possible to lower blood cholesterol levels and cut risks.

Oatly can be used instead of dairy milk on cereal for breakfast, or for cooking anything from custard to cakes. It's a healthy way of introducing more whole oat products into the family diet. This dairy milk substitute tastes good and introduces all the cholesterol-lowering properties of oats. Oatly can be found in supermarkets and larger branches of Boots the Chemists. A litre pack costs £1.39 and keeps for 5 days in the fridge once opened.

If you would like a recipe card or want further details contact the Oatly Consumer Helpline on (0845) 6012297 or visit the website at www.oatly.com

Heart UK is a new association formed by merging the British Hyperlipidaemia Association with the Family Heart Association.

References 1. Heart UK symposium held in London on 22nd October 2002.