Bioactivity of oats as it relates to cardiovascular disease.

The food consumption of oats has increased in recent years due to a perceived association with a range of health benefits. Oats are unusual in that the bran is not as physically distinct as in other cereals. This provides a possible benefit in providing a high beta-glucan content of the grains. However, oats contain many other phytochemicals including a range of antioxidants that may be associated with health benefits, although the evidence for such benefits is largely indirect and often confusing and contradictory. Nevertheless, the consumption of oats as part of a balanced diet does seem a reasonable approach.