A lot of those who suffer from gout ask if oatmeal is bad or good for the condition. That, specifically, is what we are going to talk about in this article –the effects of oatmeal for gout. Can it really be beneficial for the condition, or is it the other way around? Read on to this article and you’ll know! Worry less, because you will learn a lot from this article!
Oatmeal for Gout: What is it?
Oats are one of the healthiest types of grains here on earth. Scientifically, it is known as the Avena sativa. This is since they are free of gluten and is one of the great sources of significant minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, as well as fiber. Moreover, studies even show that oatmeal and oats have a lot of benefits that are beneficial for the overall health.
The oat groats are the most intact as well as a whole form of the oats, thus taking a lot of time to cook it. For this very reason, most people choose the rolled, steel-cut, or the crushed oats. Commonly, oats or oatmeal are eaten for breakfast. This is made by boiling oats in milk or in water. Some often refer to this as porridge. Hundreds and hundreds of years ago, oats have already become a very famous health food.
Oatmeal for Gout: Nutritional Facts
Oats have a well-proportioned nutritional composition. In fact, one 30-gram serving of oats may contain 117 calories. By weight, the raw oats are 11% of fiber, 7% of fat, 17% of protein, and 66% of carbohydrates. The figure below contains a more detailed information on the nutrients of oats:
| Principles | Amount |
| Calories | 389 |
| Water | 8 % |
| Protein | 16.9 grams |
| Carbs | 66.3 grams |
| Sugar | – |
| Fiber | 10.6 grams |
| Fat | 6.9 grams |
| Saturated | 1.22 grams |
| Monounsaturated | 2.18 grams |
| Polyunsaturated | 2.54 grams |
| Omega-3 | 0.11 grams |
| Omega-6 | 2.42 grams |
| Trans fat | – |
Aside from the aforementioned nutrients in oatmeal, it is also high in minerals like magnesium, chromium, biotin, copper, phosphorus, molybdenum, and manganese. Not just that, it is also an excellent source of fiber, which is beneficial with the stool.
Oatmeal for Gout: Is it beneficial for gout?
In the actual fact, all of the types of oats are good for the gout diet, and you need not worry about it. Not unless, of course, if you are allergic to it. On the assumption that it is not refined or processed with sugars, it is safe to eat. Oatmeal is a kind of cereal that is not that high in purines or proteins.
Furthermore, any person who has high levels of uric acid can consume it. Not unless if you are suffering from purine metabolism conditions and illnesses that are in connection with the high levels of uric acid. If this is your case, rather than eliminating oatmeal from the diet, you may talk to your doctor about consuming much smaller portions. In an average, a healthy person consumes about 600-1000 milligrams of purines every day through their own diet. Your doctor might suggest that you reduce the daily consumption of purine to around 100-150 milligrams per day.
Oatmeal for Gout: Other Benefits
Aside from the aforementioned possible benefits of oatmeal for gout, here are some other benefits of oatmeal for the health:
- Good source of antioxidants: oats may contain a range of molecules, which may act as antioxidants. These antioxidants may have anti-itching and anti-inflammatory properties when you apply it in the skin topically.
- Obesity and digestion: whole grains like oats are good for the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers actually suggest that it may improve the immunity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases and obesity. Moreover, the fiber content of it may also help in keeping the gastrointestinal tract running efficiently.
- Lowers blood pressure: a study suggests that including oats in the diet may help in lowering the levels of blood pressure in the body. Furthermore, it may also help in significantly reducing the risk of cardiovascular illnesses.
- Reduces the risk of colorectal cancer: one study suggests that including high-fiber foods like oatmeal are beneficial in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Good for the coronary artery disease: a study shows that eating foods that are rich in soluble fiber may be beneficial in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.
It is undeniable that oatmeal is really beneficial for the health. Nevertheless, when it comes to treating gout, you should consult your doctor first to make sure it is safe.
