The effect in 48 hours: how oatmeal improves cholesterol and blood pressure

Scientists from the University of Bonn have found that just two days of eating mainly oatmeal led to a sustained improvement in cholesterol levels in people at high risk of metabolic diseases. This was reported by writes Earth.com.

For two days, the study participants followed a strict diet consisting mainly of oatmeal cooked in water – about 300 grams per day. A small amount of fruit or vegetables was allowed, but other foods were excluded. This diet reduced their calorie intake by approximately half of their usual amount.

Thirty-two participants followed an oat-based diet, while another group followed a reduced-calorie diet without oats. Both groups benefited from the calorie reduction, but the results of the oat-based diet were more pronounced: cholesterol levels improved and remained so thereafter.

According to Professor Marie-Christine Simon, LDL cholesterol levels decreased by approximately 10%, which is a significant indicator, although not as strong as the effect of modern drugs. In addition, participants lost an average of two kilograms and had a slight decrease in blood pressure.

The main changes from the oat diet occurred in the gut. Oats affected the composition of the microbiota, and bacteria produced substances that contributed to better control of cholesterol levels. According to the lead author of the study, Linda Klumpen, oat consumption increased the number of certain bacteria in the gut.

These bacteria break down the components of oats and produce byproducts, some of which enter the bloodstream and affect the body's functions. According to Klumpen, the study found that the bacteria produce phenolic compounds, including ferulic acid, which in animal experiments showed a positive effect on cholesterol metabolism. It is likely that some other bacterial metabolites have a similar effect.

Bacteria play an additional role by reducing levels of histidine, an amino acid that can be converted into a compound associated with insulin resistance. Since insulin resistance is an important factor in the development of type 2 diabetes, an oat-based diet may potentially reduce the risk of its occurrence.