Research Progress on Oat Nutrients, Functional Properties and Related Products

Oats are important international and domestic specialty crops which contain high level of macronutrients including protein, fat and soluble dietary fiber as well as micronutrients such as polyphenol compounds, minerals, and vitamins. Oat products can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is manifested in the effects of lowering blood pressure, improving atherosclerosis, lowering postprandial blood sugar levels and insulin response, anti-tumor, immune regulation, regulating intestinal flora, preventing and treating skin inflammation, losing weight, balancing mentality, relieving anxiety, etc. In China, series of oatmeal products have been produced, which can be divided into popular traditional foods, high value-added products and low GI special dietary products. According to the studies of oats, the functions of oats and their processed products are summarized as follows: Protecting blood vessel, lowering blood lipid, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, eliminating constipation and relieving anxiety.