Are Oats and Oatmeal Gluten Free? What Brands to Choose?
Are oats and oatmeal gluten free? Well, pure oats are naturally gluten free. So, they are safe for people with celiacs and gluten sensitivity.
Oats are a popular breakfast porridge. They are also an important ingredient of granola, muesli and many other snacks.
Studies show that people with celiacs and gluten intolerants can eat 2-3.5 ounces of pure oats per day without adverse effects.
Oatmeal is prepared by boiling oats in water or milk. Sometimes fruits and spices are also added. Is oatmeal gluten free? This depends on the oats used to make oatmeal.
In this article, you’ll explore gluten free brands of oats. We will also discuss the health benefits of oats.
So, keep reading to solve all your queries about oats!
Are Oats and Oatmeal Gluten Free?
Pure oats are naturally gluten free and safe for people with celiacs and gluten sensitivity. Pure oats means that they are not contaminated while growing, transported and processed.
So if you’re highly sensitive to gluten then it is always advisable to buy certified gluten free brands only. These brands took some extra measures to avoid any contamination of oats.
Risk of Cross Contamination of Oats
Oats are often grown alongside other crops. The same equipment used for harvesting both crops can lead to cross- contamination. Some companies also used a shared facility to process oats.
Although this contamination is a little to observe, only 20 ppm is enough to cause allergic reaction in someone with celiacs.
One study found that 109 oat- containing products in the market of North America and Europe contain 200 ppm of gluten.
If you’re extremely sensitive to gluten, you should always prefer certified gluten free brands of oats. These brands are often tested to ensure that they contain less than 20 ppm gluten amount.
What are the Gluten Free Brands of Oats and Oatmeal?
The best way to get non-contaminated or oats with less than 20 ppm of gluten is to choose certified gluten free brands of oats. You should always read the labels carefully.
If you’re not sure about your oats, don’t eat it until you find out. Because some people show severe allergies even to little amounts of gluten. Here are gluten free oats and oats meal products:
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Extra Thick Rolled Oats
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Quick-Cooking Oats
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Scottish Oatmeal
- Glutenfreeda Gluten-Free Oatmeal (assorted)
- McCann’s Gluten-Free Irish Oatmeal, Quick & Easy, Steel Cut
- Nature’s Path Organic Hot Oatmeal, Gluten-Free (assorted)
- Nature’s Path Qi’a Superfood Gluten-Free Oatmeal (assorted)
- Udi’s Gluten-Free Plain Steel Cut Oats
- Quaker Select Starts Gluten-Free Instant Oatmeal Packets (assorted)
Don’t forget to check the certified gluten free label on packaging. If you’re highly sensitive to gluten then you should always choose certified gluten free brands of oats to avoid any allergic reactions. You can find gluten free oats at grocery stores as some stores have separate sessions of gluten free products.
What’re the Benefits of Oats and Oatmeal?
Oats are a useful source of nutrients and energy for people with Celiacs. Oats are not only gluten free but also provide effective benefits:
Helps to Lose Weight:
Overweight causes many health complications like coronary artery disease, stroke, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Oats have lots of fiber which keeps you full for a long time. It also helps in avoiding food cravings that helps you to lose weight.
Regulates the Blood Sugar Levels:
Oats also have a soluble fiber called beta-glucan which slows down the absorption of nutrients in the gut reducing sugar level. It is important for diabetic patients as it helps to control blood sugar levels.
Maintains Healthy Bones:
Oats contain various minerals such as calcium, potassium, and zinc which are very important for strong bones.
Improves Digestion:
High fiber content aids in improving digestion and gut health. Oats also help to increase healthy bacteria in the gut. Oats have higher fiber content which makes them the healthiest meal option.
Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
Beta-glucan present in oats also helps to reduce cholesterol which is important for a healthy heart as it reduces the risk of heart diseases. It also reduces blood pressure and blood lipids profile.
Source of B Vitamins
Oats are a rich source of B vitamins for people who follow vegan diets. B vitamins boost energy, maintain healthy red blood cells and nerve cells.
For Healthy Eyes
Oats are a natural source of vitamin A, which aids to prevent macular degeneration and also reduce oxidative stress in the retina.
Oatmeal is a complete food for people with Celiacs. As they can enjoy oats and its health benefits without worrying about celiacs.
You should also know about:
Conclusion
Are oats and oatmeal gluten? The answer is simple. Pure and uncontaminated oats are gluten free naturally and safe for people with celiacs and gluten sensitivity.
Oats will prove to you excellent health benefits and nutrition. Oats are effective for heart health, healthy eyes and to lose weight.
Always choose certified gluten free brands of oats and don’t forget to check the gluten free label.
