Oat (Avena sativa L.) as a Functional Food: A Review of Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is defined as a functional cereal because of its high nutritional and health potential. Oat-based foods have recently gained popularity due to their health benefits. Oat composition is very unique due to their high-quality proteins with balanced amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Amongst all the oat composition, the soluble dietary fiber component, like beta glucan, is well recognized for lowering blood cholesterol levels, improving glucose and insulin responses after a meal, and increasing satiety. Oat composition contains very active antioxidants, including avenanthramides, phenolic compounds, and tocopherols that display anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, and cardioprotective activities. Food products with oats have ushered significant benefits towards lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, gastrointestinal diseases, and other metabolic disorders. Oat composition contains well-balanced amino acids. Moreover, healthy fatty acids like mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids are also an integral component of oat composition. Oat composition also contains antinutritional compounds that can be eliminated by using appropriate processing techniques like fermentation and heat treatment. Oat composition is an important dietary component that can be utilized as a preventative and curative strategy for maintaining a healthy lifestyle by exhibiting significant health benefits. The review focuses on oats as a nutrient-rich functional food that provides β-glucans, protein, lipids, and antioxidants, which help in the reduction of cholesterol, regulation of blood sugar, and improvement of digestion, thereby promoting human health.