Oatmeal is used in cooking and in home cosmetology as a low-calorie and nutrient-rich product. Is this so, in what its usefulness and possible harm is manifested, and also what are the rules of application - you will learn about all this from this article.

Chemical composition and calorie content

Many sources say that oatmeal does not contain gluten. This is not entirely true. In oat grains, this protein or gluten is present, as it is also called, and, accordingly, cereal-derived products also contain it, albeit in much smaller quantities. However, among the known flour raw materials, oatmeal is really one of the most dietary.

Calorie content and nutritional value (per 100 g):

• calorie content - 369 kcal, oatmeal - 357 kcal (for comparison, the calorie content of rice flour is 371 kcal);
• proteins - 13 g;
• fats - 6.8 g;
• carbohydrates - 64.9 g.

Important! Fiber is the same flour, but more coarsely ground and with bran in the composition. Since it is made from sprouted grain, it retains more useful elements.

The following substances are present in oatmeal:

• vitamins - B1, B2, B9, E, PP;
• minerals - potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron;
• other substances - amino acids, mucus, dietary fiber, essential oils.

Those who need a gluten-free diet should pay attention to raw materials from other cereals:

• buckwheat;
• sorghum;
• amaranth;
• linen;
• quinoa;
• corn;
• the beans.

Useful properties of oatmeal

Raw oats contain less gluten than wheat, so it is used more often in healthy diet. But for baking, mix with wheat flour to make the dough more fluffy and soft. Gastroenterologists recommend oat dishes to patients with digestive problems and chronic gastrointestinal diseases. In particular, jelly helps restore the mucous membrane, relieve inflammation and reduce the acidity of gastric juice.

General health benefits

Given the composition of the product, its dietary properties, it is useful for people of different ages and health conditions. Oatmeal and flour products from it are often included in food at the time of recovery after surgery or a serious illness. Oat grains contain a substance that inhibits cancer cells - anthranilic acid amide.

Properties of flour raw materials:

1. For adults. It improves digestion and restores intestinal microflora. Improves the function of blood formation, vascular elasticity and the functioning of the heart muscle. Contains antioxidants that improve appearance, enhance immunity and cell regeneration. Supports the nervous system, improves performance, removes toxins and toxins. Improves the work of the liver and kidneys, thyroid gland.
2. To diabetics. Accelerates the processing of food into energy, normalizes fat metabolism. Oats reduce the level of glucose in the blood, removes bad cholesterol. Strengthens blood vessels and reduces the development of thrombosis. Helps control weight.
3. Athletes. Fast carbohydrates provide energy and energy. Proteins are a building material for muscles, that is, they help to gain muscle mass. The product reduces pain of feces, helps to recover after an exhausting workout. Antioxidants tone muscles.
4. During pregnancy and breastfeeding. Vitamins and minerals in the composition of the raw materials restore the balance of nutrients in the body of the expectant mother, help the normal processes of development of the fetus, the formation of organs and systems. Oat dishes are lightweight, so they are well suited for women suffering from toxicosis. Iron can help prevent anemia, which is so common in pregnant women. Oatmeal products for nursing mothers will help to restore strength and give nutrition to milk. Together with him, the baby will consume the useful elements contained in the product.
5. For children. Oats and dishes from it - one of the first foods for the smallest. Children are useful jelly and porridge, cookies. For students, an oatmeal dish provides energy for the whole day. Promotes good assimilation of educational material, concentration, improves brain function in general and memory function.
6. When losing weight. Non-oatmeal breakfasts made from oatmeal are indicated for weight loss. At the same time, metabolic processes improve, fat cells are not stored in reserve. During the diet, many patients suffer from depression, and this product contains antioxidants that support the nervous system. Oatmeal has the ability to quickly saturate the body, drowning out a feeling of hunger.

The use of oatmeal

Flour is a food product, therefore, the main use of the product is given to cooking. In this case, the whole grain variety is considered the most useful, where the grain is subjected to fewer treatments. In addition, particles of the outer shell fall into the composition, which adds useful substances there. Flour is used in folk medicine, in rehabilitation therapy, as well as in cosmetology.

Did you know? In Russia, oats have long been highly valued by peasants, considered the second bread. There were proverbs and sayings among the people like "Oats will not grow - you swallow tears."

In medicine

Raw oats have anti-inflammatory properties. This quality is used in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems. Knead a flour from a flour and make a warming compress. For cooking, mix the oat and rye product in a ratio of one to one. Add water - how much dough will take. It should turn out smooth and not stick to your hands. A good warm cake is applied to the problem area and wrapped.

A flat cake mixed with honey instead of water does an excellent job with a heel spur. Enough 10 procedures with a compress to forget about the problem. In folk medicine, oatmeal is recommended as a remedy for a hangover. It binds and removes toxins, envelops the stomach, relieving the symptom of nausea, arouses appetite.

Doctors recommend eating oatmeal dishes to cores, patients prone to thrombosis, and people with weakened immune systems. Kissel has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract and is indicated for the acute and chronic form of diseases of its constituent organs.

Did you know? A festival of oatmeal is held annually in Carrbridge in the UK. The winner is awarded a porridge cooker made of gold.

Jelly Recipe:

1. Flour, in an amount of 100 grams, pour 0.8 liters of water and leave for 6-8 hours.
2. Then strain the mixture through a fine sieve, and pour the milk into the dishes where the drink will be brewed.
3. You need to boil jelly over low heat. As soon as it starts to boil, remove.
4. Spices, sugar, honey or fruit are added to taste.

In cosmetology

The cosmetic properties of oatmeal are due to the presence of essential oils, tocopherols and antioxidants. Skin care products are prepared from raw materials: masks of restorative, nourishing and lifting character. Apply the product to treat hair, also preparing masks and using infusion.

For face

• Oat is good for a variety of skin types. Face mask has a number of healing and rejuvenating actions:
• Helps accelerate cell regeneration processes.
• Nourishes and moisturizes the upper layers of the epidermis.
• Tightens sagging skin, facial contour.
• Tightens pores, eliminates oily sheen.
• Smoothes expression lines.
• Eliminates age spots.
• It treats acne and acne, normalizing the work of the sebaceous glands.
• Cleanses the skin from dead cells.
• Returns a healthy complexion.

Depending on the desired effect, various ingredients are added to the ground oats. For example, a nourishing mask for oily skin:

• 60 g flour (in one tablespoon without a slide 15 g);
• 1 yolk;
• vitamin E (in liquid form) 20 drops;
• Vitamin A (in liquid form, 10 drops).

The ingredients are mixed and applied to cleansed skin for 25 minutes. After rinse with warm water.

For dry skin (whitening):

• 40 g of base;
• 15 g of kaolin (white clay);
• 1 tsp lemon juice;
• 1 egg white.

Important! A homogeneous mixture should be made of the components, applied to the face for 30 minutes, rinse with warm water.

For hair

With the help of an oatmeal product, you can restore the former appearance to hair, spoiled by dyeing or other procedures.

• Useful properties for hair:
• elimination of dandruff;
• restoration along the entire length;
• follicular nutrition;
• giving a healthy shine and silkiness.

Flour and warm milk are mixed in equal amounts, the dosage is selected depending on the length of the hair. The mass is mixed until smooth and left for 40-60 minutes. Then add an ampoule of vitamins A, E, B1 and 1 tbsp. almond oil (can be replaced with jojoba oil). The mask is applied for 30 minutes, for a good effect, wrapping the head with a towel, after putting on the bathing cap.

Mask that removes oily hair:

Flour and kefir are mixed in equal parts, add 2 tbsp. burdock oil. Apply for 40 minutes to the hair under a hat and towel.

Possible harm and contraindications

The product in question can be harmful if you use it uncontrollably and add caloric components to your finished meals. If you want to lose weight, use whole grain oatmeal with fruits or vegetables. Patients whose diseases are associated with poor absorption of calcium, it is recommended to consult a doctor before use. The use of the product is contraindicated in patients with celiac disease (celiac intolerance).

How to do at home

For cooking, take whole grains or hard flakes (not instant cooking).

Sequencing:

1. Whole grain needs to be dried for an hour in the oven at a temperature of + 100 ° C.
2. When measuring the base, keep in mind that the flour will be a quarter less.
3. You can grind in a coffee grinder or any other electrical appliance intended for this.
4. The speed is average, the bowl is filled by 2/3.
5. Homemade product is stored in a glass container under a tight lid. The place is dark and dry. Shelf life of 2–4 months.

Rules for selection and storage

In stores you can find the product in paper or cardboard packaging. It needs to be examined for integrity - if the tightness is broken, you should not take the product. Make sure that the flour is not damp in the warehouse or during transportation by checking the weight. In supermarkets there is a control scale, put the packaging on a plate of the device and then compare the readings with the indicated weight on the product label.

Important! Lemon juice is pure acid, so test it on the back of your hand before applying it to your face. If there is redness, it is better to use another whitening component, for example, parsley.

Storage conditions:

• temperature at + 5 ... + 18 ° C;
• air humidity not more than 75%.

Important! Closed store flour in the package is stored for up to 2 years, open - no more than 6 months.

So, oat flour is a healthy product with a low calorie content, saturating the human body with the necessary vitamins and minerals. But you need to know the measure and rules of use, especially if you want to lose weight.