Oats for heart health

Already recognized by the government for their ability to lower cholesterol levels, oats may have additional cardiovascular benefits, according to new research published in the June 2004 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.

A substance in oats may keep blood cells from sticking to artery walls, helping prevent clogged arteries and atherosclerosis.

Scientists at Tufts University in Boston purified compounds called avenanthramides from oats and exposed them to human arterial wall cells for 24 hours. The number of adhesion molecules--the glue that binds blood cells to artery walls--was significantly reduced. Fewer blood cells stuck to arterial walls.

The study concludes that the oat-compound may prevent inflammation and the buildup of blood cells that normally leads to a narrowing of artery walls, which eventually leads to atherosclerosis.

Abundant previous research proved that fiber from oats helps reduce LDL, or "bad" cholesterol.

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