My Herbs 1

Muesli
positive health effects attributed to oat
products include the regulation of cholesterol
levels, a reduction of the
glycemic response (specifically the
glycemic index after meals), help in the
management and maintenance of body
weight and improvement in the function
of the digestive tract.
The glycemic index indicates the ability
of food to raise sugar levels in the
blood after a meal. A massive increase
in this sugar leads to the leaching of excess
insulin, which converts a considerable
part of the energy needed to
remove unwanted fat deposits especially
around the waist.
OAT FIBER IN THE BODY
1/ Since this fiber is water soluble, it
can absorb fluids in the small intestine
and contribute to an increase viscosity
during digestion. Digestion time is
thus extended, and the blood sugar increases
gradually. On the other hand,
the faster the rise and the higher the
concentrations of glucose in the blood
after a meal, the deeper the slump and
the more quickly hunger pangs set in
again. Foods with a high glycemic
index should therefore be avoided.
2/ Oat beta-glucans positively affect
cholesterol and the lipoprotein metabolism
mainly by increasing viscosity in
the small intestine. Viscous beta glucans
bind bile acids, which then cannot
dissolve fat. Fat, together with these
acids, is consequently less absorbed
from the small intestine into the body
– only bacteria in the large intestine
will actively process them. The loss of
bile acids in the body is replaced at the
expense of blood cholesterol, meaning
that cholesterol can be reduced this
way naturally, without the use of drugs.
3/ Oat fiber is non-digestible in the
small intestine but is fermented by bacteria
in the colon and acts as probiotics,
which are non-digestible food ingredients
that stimulate the growth of bacteria
activity in the colon. This positively
affects digestion and colonic microflora.
4/ A very important function of beta
glucans is linked to our immune systems.
They actually strengthen the immune
system and thereby increase the
body’s resistance to infection.
5/ Oat beta-glucans form viscous
fluids in the stomach and the small intestine,
which strongly stimulates a full
stomach feeling, thus helping to reduce
appetite. They are therefore suitable in
weight reducing diets.
THE IDEAL DIET
For a significant reduction in bad
cholesterol (LDL), we can achieve
a daily recommended consumption
with about three grams of beta glucans.
A reduction in blood glucose of 30 to
50 percent can be achieved if the beta
glucans comprise 8 to 10 percent of
carbohydrates in the food.
OATMEAL’S LEADING ROLE
Healthy eating, a reasonable amount
of movement, and living in peace of
mind is the recipe for a long, happy
52 MY HERBS MAGAZINE