Oatmeal refers to a preparation of oats that have been dehusked, steamed, and flattened, or else a coarse flour made of hulled oat grains that have either been milled or steel-cut. Ground oats are also called “white oats”. Steel-cut oats are known as “coarse oatmeal”.There are three types of oats;
- Steel-cut oats
- Rolled oats
- Instant oats
Nutritional Information
In 100 grams of oats;| Calories | 68 |
| Total fat | 1.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 49 mg |
| Potassium | 61 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12 g |
| Protein | 2.4 g |
| Vitamin C | 0% |
| Calcium | 8% |
| Iron | 33% |
| Vitamin B6 | 15% |
| Magnesium | 6% |
| Vitamin E | 1% |
| Manganese | 29% |
| Phosphorous | 11% |
| Zinc | 11% |
| Water | 83 (quantity) |
Health Benefits of Oatmeal
There are several health benefits of oatmeal, including;- Lower cholesterol
- Reduce colorectal cancer
- Reduce blood pressure
- Improve digestion
- Aids in weight loss
- Stabilize blood sugar
- Protect heart
- Suitable for wheat allergy patients
- Provides a stellar source of fibre
- Reduce belly fat
- Provide energy
- Boost immune system
- Helps you to stay full longer
- Improve sleep
- Enhance Athletic performance
- Aids in acne treatment
Oatmeal benefits skin
You will most likely find oatmeal if you pay attention to your lotions and creams tags. Someone discovered the benefits of oats for dry, itchy, irritated skin at some point in history. Oat starch forms a barrier that permits the skin to keep the moisture during the rougher fibrous husk of oat and acts as a gentle exfoliant. Oats can remove dead skin cells while also acting as a natural moisturizer. Beta-glucan in oats forms a thin film on the skin. It also penetrates profoundly and provides much more moisturizer. Just combine 2 cups of oats, 1 cup of milk, and 1 tbsp honey in a mixing bowl. Apply it to your face and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. You can also use oil extract. Doctors typically recommend that people use colloidal oatmeal for their skin. This type of oatmeal is finely ground powder.Is oatmeal good for the skin?Colloidal oatmeal contains several components that are beneficial for your skin. These include,- Beta-glucan: a substance that absorbs water.
- Phenol: antioxidant
- Saponin: soap-like properties and acts as a cleanser
- Oils
- Acting as a buffering agent, which helps skin maintain a normal pH
- Providing antiviral activity help to treat skin rashes
- Reducing the rate of histamine release in mast cells, which are present in allergic skin reactions
- Cleansing the skin, thanks to the presence of saponin that has soap-like activity
Conditions that Oatmeal treat
People use oatmeal to treat several skin conditions, including;- Atopic dermatitis
- Chickenpox
- Contact dermatitis
- Diaper rash
- Dry, itchy skin
- Eczema
- Reactions to insect bites and plants
- Psoriasis
- Sunburn
Uses
People can try applying oatmeal to their skin to help with various issues. Colloidal oatmeal may help follow conditions;Dryness and Itching
A paper suggests that creams containing colloidal oatmeal can alleviate dryness, itching, and scaling that are symptomatic of skin conditions such as dry skin and strophic dermatitis. Colloidal oatmeal can help restore and maintain the skin barrier.A small study in 2015 of 29 females with severely dry skin and itchiness noted an improvement in symptoms after two weeks of using a lotion containing colloidal oatmeal.Eczema
Findings demonstrate that colloidal oatmeal, a natural product with proven barrier protection, moisturization, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, can soothe eczema severity symptoms in patients with a chronic irritant. Eczema causes itchy, scaly, or patchy skin. A study shows the effects of colloidal oatmeal on the skin of people with mild to moderate eczema compared with a standard moisturizer. The researchers also noted that damaged areas of skin healed better with colloidal oatmeal cream than with a regular moisturizer.Psoriasis
Colloidal oatmeal can ease the pain and itching that can occur with psoriasis. Research from 2010 found that oatmeal can reduce inflammation and prevent skin from releasing chemicals that promote inflammation. Psoriasis is a skin condition where the immune system can trigger the overproduction of skin cells. It can lead to the development of scaly patches, dryness, and itching. A recent study looked at the effect of 1% colloidal oatmeal lotion on the symptoms of 60 females with psoriasis and sensitive skin. 96% of people thought that the treatment improved the intensity of their psoriasis and reduced the number of damaged skin patches.Oatmeal Face Mask
How to apply an oatmeal face mask;- Mix the ingredients in a bowl to create a paste
- Cleanse the face and apply the mask
- Rub gently and then leave on for 10-30 minutes
- Rinse off and dry face
- Apply moisturizer for an extra layer of protection
Exfoliating face mask
A ground oatmeal mask helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.Ingredients
- 2 tsp colloidal oatmeal
- Water
Face mask for oily skin
Egg white can help tighten and tone skin. Research shows that some people use honey to soothe damaged skin.Ingredients
- ½ cup colloidal oatmeal
- One egg white
- 1 tbsp honey
Face mask for dry skin
Research shows that plant oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin. They promote healing and assist in repairing the skin barrier.Ingredients
- ½ cup colloidal oatmeal
- One egg
- 1 tbsp almond oil
- Half mashed banana
- 1 tbsp honey
Oats benefits:
- Oats soaks up excess fat from the skin and help treat acne
- Oat’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can treat dry skin and remove dead skin cells.
- Oats act as a natural cleanser by removing dirt and oil and exfoliating skin
- Oats lighten your skin
- Oats treat dry and itchy skin
- Oats aid in UV protection
Products that contain oatmeal
A variety of oatmeal products are available to moisturize, cleanse and protect the skin. Products include;- Bath products
- Face masks
- Face washes
- Face scrubs
- Lotions
- Moisturisers
- Shaving gel
- Skin scrubs
References:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270680
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/oatmeal-benefits-for-the-skin
- https://www.fitandflexgranola.com/oats-benefits/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/oatmeal-bath
