Updated: 12/13/23
Have you ever come across something that seems almost too good to be true in the health world? A natural and readily available herb that can help balance blood sugar levels, improve cholesterol, and even benefit your skin? Well believe it or not, such a humble superfood does exist – it’s called oat straw. You’ve likely seen it laying around your local health food store or sipping in your morning latte, but do you know all the amazing benefits it has to offer? In this post we’ll dive deeper into what oat straw actually is, the science behind its health boosting abilities, and how you can start incorporating it into your daily routine for better blood sugar control, heart health, and noticeable skin improvements. By the end you just might be a believer in this powerhouse plant too. Let’s get started!
What is Oat Straw?
Oat straw is the stem of the oat plant that is harvested once the oat grains have been removed. It is a natural and gentle tonic that has been used for centuries to support a wide range of health concerns. Oat straw is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, as well as vitamins like A, B, and C. It also contains a unique compound called avenanthramides, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
It has a long history of cultivation, dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome. Today, it is commonly grown in parts of Europe and North America, with the best quality oat straw coming from Sweden. It has been used for various purposes throughout history, from horse feed to bedding. However, its use as a medicinal herb is what has made it so popular in modern times.
One of the key benefits of oat straw is its ability to boost energy and support the nervous system. It is an adaptogen, which means it helps your body cope with stress and fatigue by supporting the adrenal glands. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their mental clarity and focus, or for individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue.
Benefits of Oat Straw
Promotes Sound Sleep
It is loaded with alpha waves which promote relaxation and induce sleep naturally. If you are someone who finds it difficult to fall asleep, consuming oat straw before bedtime can help you get a sound sleep without the need for sleeping pills.
Improves Brain Function
It is believed to boost the cognitive abilities of an individual. It works by increasing the circulation of blood to the brain, improves focus and the ability to concentrate. Its calming effect also reduces stress levels and helps in enhancing the overall mental well-being.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol levels can wreak havoc on your body, leading to heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. Fortunately, it contains compounds that can help reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body while maintaining the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Research shows that the beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber found in oat straw, can bind to cholesterol and bile acids in the gut and prevent them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. By doing so, oat straw can significantly lower your risk of heart disease.
Regulates Blood Sugar
For people with diabetes or prediabetes, regulating blood sugar levels is crucial to maintaining good health. It can help with this by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance. The beta-glucans can slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, thus preventing spikes in blood sugar levels after meals. In addition, oat straw also contains avenanthramides, a type of polyphenol that shows to enhance insulin secretion and glucose uptake in the cells.
Fights Cancer
Cancer is one of the most feared diseases worldwide, and the search for a cure is ongoing. Although oat straw cannot cure cancer, it can offer some protection against the disease. The avenanthramides in oat straw have powerful antioxidant properties that can neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage and mutation. Several studies have shown that avenanthramides can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce cell death through different mechanisms. While more research is necessary, consuming oat straw regularly can be a great way to prevent cancer or reduce your risk of developing it.
Reduces Anxiety and Stress
It is a natural calming agent that can help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. It contains a specific type of compound called saponins that help regulate the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing tension. If you struggle with anxiety or stress, try incorporating oat straw into your daily routine.
Supports Heart Health
The antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure, both of which are important for heart health. Additionally, the fiber content in oat straw can help reduce cholesterol levels, which can improve overall cardiovascular function.
Enhances Skin Health
It is with essential vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin. It can help reduce inflammation and redness, improve hydration, and protect against sun damage. Additionally, oat straw contains compounds that can help stimulate collagen production, which promotes skin elasticity and youthfulness.
Aids Digestion
It has a high fiber content, which can help support healthy digestion. Specifically, the soluble fiber can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Additionally, the antioxidants can help reduce inflammation in the gut, promoting overall digestive health.
Enhances Immunity
It contains a high amount of antioxidants and stimulates the immune system, making it more effective in fighting against foreign invaders. It also helps in reducing inflammation, leading to a healthier gut.
Benefits for Skin
Rich in zinc and iron, it is known to improve skin health. It also helps in preventing wrinkles and fine lines, leaving your skin looking youthful and glowing.
Assist in Weight Loss
With its high fiber content, it can help in reducing hunger and making you feel full for longer periods. It also helps in regulating blood sugar levels along with maintaining a healthy gut.
Oat Straw Side Effects
Allergic Reactions
While it is generally safe, some people may have an allergic reaction to it. If you have an allergy to oats, then you might experience an allergic reaction to the supplement, which can result in skin rashes, difficulty breathing, and swollen tongue or lips. Therefore, before adding oat straw to your diet, it’s essential to test it to ensure that your body doesn’t have any intolerance to it.
Headaches
Another common side effect is headaches. This effect is especially typical in people who take high doses of the supplement. If you start a new regimen with oat straw, then begin with small doses to avoid such side effects. Gradually increase the amount you take as required, but it’s crucial not to exceed the recommended amount in a day.
Digestive Issues
It can also cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. If you experience these symptoms after ingesting oat straw, it’s advisable to reduce the amount you take or to stop using it altogether. Alternatively, you can try taking it with food or drinking more water before or after ingesting the supplement.
Potentially Interferes with Hormones
It is known to be a mild estrogenic, meaning it could potentially interfere with hormone levels in the body. Therefore, if you’re on hormone therapy, pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare practitioner before using oat straw supplement. They can help you decide if oat straw is the best herbal supplement for you.
High Blood Pressure
It is known to lower blood pressure, making it beneficial for individuals with hypertension. However, this property could be potentially harmful to those with already low blood pressure, leading to dizziness and fainting.
Skin Irritation
Some people may experience skin irritation after using it. This can range from mild to severe, and can include itching, redness, and swelling. If you experience any skin irritation after using oat straw, you should discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
Can Affect Blood Sugar Levels
Lastly, it can affect blood sugar levels due to its carbohydramid content. When you consume oat straw, it can convert to sugar in the digestive system, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This effect can be harmful to people with diabetes as it may interfere with insulin medication, making it difficult to manage sugar levels. Therefore, if you’re diabetic and considering taking oat straw, it’s essential to speak to a medical practitioner before using the supplement.
Does Oat Straw Have Gluten?
The short answer is no. Oat straw itself does not contain gluten. However, it’s essential to note that oats are frequently processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and other gluten-containing grains. This cross-contamination can lead to traces of gluten in oat products, such as oatmeal.
Is Oat Straw Safe During Pregnancy?
Oat straw is considered a safe herb to consume, and it has several benefits for pregnant women. It can help boost energy levels and provide much-needed iron, potassium and calcium to the body. Oat straw tea can also act as a natural remedy for morning sickness. The tea has a soothing and calming effect on the stomach, which can help to ease nausea and vomiting. The natural diuretic properties of oat straw tea can also help with fluid retention during pregnancy.
While oat straw is generally safe to consume during pregnancy, there are a few potential risks to keep in mind. One of the main risks is consuming too much oat straw tea, which can lead to issues like over-stimulation of the uterus and vomiting. Also, during pregnancy, it is essential to be cautious about the purity and quality of the herbs you consume. If you are purchasing oat straw tea or supplements, make sure it is from a reputable brand and free from harmful contaminants.
Oat Straw for Hair Growth
Oat straw helps to enhance circulation in the scalp. By boosting circulation, the hair follicles receive adequate oxygen and nutrients needed for healthy hair growth. It also minimizes inflammation in the scalp, which is often an underlying cause of hair loss.
Another benefit of oat straw is that it reduces the level of DHT, which is often responsible for hair loss. DHT is a hormone that harms hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and eventually hair loss. By lowering the level of DHT, oat straw provides ideal conditions for healthy hair growth.
Oat straw is also known for its cooling effect on the scalp. If you suffer from dry and itchy scalp, oat straw can soothe it. The relaxing effect of oat straw reduces stress levels, a leading cause of hair loss. This natural herb can also help you sleep better, which is crucial for overall health and hair growth.
Dosage
For optimal results, it is best to take 700 mg of oat straw extract 1 to 3 times per day. It should always be with a meal and at least 8 oz of water. Of course, while oat straw extract offers a plethora of benefits, it is still important to follow alternative dosage instructions from your doctor.
Where to Buy Oat Straw
Discover the power of Oat Straw for your dietary needs at BulkSupplements.com! As an industry-leading company, we are committed to providing pure, high-quality dietary supplements. Not only do we develop our own products, but we also supply top-notch ingredients to other brands in the food and supplement industry. Rest assured, all our products are manufactured and rigorously tested to meet the highest quality standards. Experience the benefits of Oat Straw as a dietary supplement today by reaching out to BulkSupplements.com and securing your order now!
The Bottom Line
Oat straw may be an unrecognized weed for many, but it has serious health benefits that cannot be underestimated. From reducing cholesterol levels and regulating blood sugar to boosting immunity and fighting cancer, oat straw may be the herb that you never knew you needed. Adding oat straw to your diet can be easy – you can brew it as tea, add it to smoothies, or even sprinkle it on your meals. With its long list of health benefits, oat straw is definitely worth trying, and you might find it surprising at how much it can improve your health and wellbeing.
It’s essential to understand that while it has numerous benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. As always, consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for you. Additionally, it’s essential always to purchase high-quality supplements from reputable brands and retailers to ensure purity and minimize the risk of contamination. Stay informed, stay healthy!
The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
