Fwd: Thoughts About Oatmeal and Research

February 5, 2008

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February 5th, 2008

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Thoughts About Oatmeal and Research

I recently received an e-mail about 10 years of study which documents the beneficial effects of eating good, old-fashioned oatmeal. The authors, Andon and Anderson, wrote, "Recent studies have suggested that whole-oat products may reduce the risk for increased blood pressure, weight gain, and type-2 diabetes, reduce LDL cholesterol as part of a weight-loss program, and provide favorable modifications to LDL cholesterol particles, making them less susceptible to oxidation."

This research prompts me to share a few thoughts. Today's research builds on yesterday's research. Someone recently said to me, "The body of knowledge in the field of nutrition is doubling every 18 months". While I can't document that figure, I do know that new research and information is constantly being added to what we know about foods, nutrition, supplements, health, disease, and the human body. Clients say to me, "I've read so much conflicting information. I'm really confused." Their confusion comes, in part, because of all the new research and how it's translated into what you do in your life.

Andon and Anderson also wrote "Given the numerous positive evidence-based reviews of oats and cholesterol reduction, as well as the intriguing emerging science, the consumption of oats and oat-based products should be encouraged as part of an overall lifestyle medicine approach for the prevention of cardiovascular disease". Hmmmm - "lifestyle medicine" sounds a lot like Hippocrates who said, "Let food be your medicine." Yes, indeed, whole food that is appropriate for the individual is a cornerstone of health. A study I read in Allergy (2007) reported that oats aggravate eczema in children. While oats may not be for everyone, they benefit many.

Who paid for the research? Quaker Oats funded the study. That's an important question. Why? Because pharmaceutical houses, food companies, and nutritional supplement manufacturers fund research about their products that is often biased. That said, James Anderson is a professor at the University of Kentucky and leading authority in the field of dietary fiber. I've followed his work for over a decade and he's been a groundbreaking pioneer. Mark Andon works in the Quaker-Tropicana-Gatorade Research and Development Department.

Reference: M.B. Andon and J.W. Anderson, "State of the Art Reviews: The Oatmeal-Cholesterol Connection: 10 Years Later", American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

2008, Vol.2, Pages 51-57.

Tip Provided By:

Dr. Liz Lipski has a PhD and is board certified in clinical nutrition. A 30-year practitioner, author, and the Director of Doctoral Studies at Hawthorn University. She is founder of Innovative Healing Inc., author of Digestive Wellness, Digestive Wellness for Children, and many other publications.