Though oats themselves are naturally gluten-free, oat bran, including Nutrim oat bran powder, can sometimes contain gluten due to cross-contamination during processing. If oats are grown, harvested, or processed alongside gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye, trace amounts of gluten can make their way into the oat bran.
To ensure it’s gluten-free, look for products made from purity protocol oats. These oats are grown and processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities to avoid contamination.
For a product to be certified gluten-free, it must contain fewer than twenty parts per million of gluten. Always check labels to ensure the oat bran or oat bran supplements you choose are gluten-free, especially if you have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what oat bran is, whether it’s gluten-free, and why oat bran supports lower cholesterol–an essential benefit for heart health.
What Is Oat Bran?
Oat bran is the outer layer of the oat groat that gets separated during the milling process. This outer layer is packed with dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that has been shown to support lower cholesterol and overall heart health. Because of its rich nutrient profile, oat bran can be a beneficial addition to a plant-based nutrition plan.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. It’s what gives dough its elasticity and helps it hold its shape when baked into bread and other products. For most people, gluten isn’t a problem, but for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, consuming gluten can cause adverse effects, from digestive discomfort to more severe health issues.
If you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it's essential to avoid gluten to prevent symptoms like bloating, fatigue, or digestive issues. So, when choosing oat bran supplements, make sure you’re selecting ones that are certified gluten-free, like those made from purity protocol oats.
Health Benefits of Oat Bran
No matter whether or not your oat bran is gluten-free, it’s still a nutritional powerhouse. Oat bran supports lower cholesterol and provides a wide array of benefits for overall health. Here are just a few reasons why oat bran is an excellent addition to a plant-based nutrition plan:
- Supports lower cholesterol: Oat bran is rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol and helping it be removed from the body. Studies show that consuming oat bran regularly can lower overall cholesterol, which is essential for heart health.
- improves digestive health: The high fiber content in oat bran also helps regulate digestion, promoting regular bowel movements and contributing to a healthier gut microbiome. Fiber slows down the digestion of food, which not only helps with bowel regularity but also helps maintain steady energy levels by slowing glucose absorption.
- Helps control blood sugar: For those managing blood sugar levels, oat bran can be a great choice. Beta-glucans in oat bran slow the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream, helping to stabilize blood sugar and prevent spikes, which is important for those with diabetes or prediabetes.
- Rich in essential nutrients: Oat bran is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients are critical for boosting the immune system, supporting energy levels, and maintaining healthy bones. If you’re following a plant-based diet, oat bran is an excellent way to meet your nutritional needs.
Try Nutrim Today
For those looking to reap the benefits of oat bran in a convenient and easy-to-use form, Sur Nutrition’s Nutrim Oat Beta Glucan offers an excellent solution. While Nutrim oat bran powder is not gluten-free, it still provides the heart-healthy benefits of beta-glucan, including support for lower cholesterol, improved digestion, and better blood sugar control.
Plus, Nutrim is flavorless, making it easy to incorporate into your favorite foods. Add it to smoothies, soups, baked goods, or even your coffee for a nutritional boost without compromising on taste.
Whether you're following a plant-based nutrition plan or simply looking for an easy way to support your heart health, Nutrim is the perfect addition to your daily routine!