Health Benefits

Dr Samuel Johnson's definition of oats: "A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people."

Sir Walter Scott's reply: "Yes, and where else will you see such horses and such men?"

Solon Robinson: "Look at the Scotch, with their oatmeal porridge, as robust a set of men as ever lived. A Highlander will scale mountains all day upon a diet of oatmeal stirred in water fresh from a gurgling spring with his finger, in a leather cup."

Oats have long been associated with a healthy diet and lifestyle and have many nutritional benefits for the whole family.

• Carbohydrates

Wholegrain oats are a great source of carbohydrate, which is an important source of energy to the body. All carbohydrates are ultimately converted to, and absorbed into the blood in the form of glucose, which is the brain's preferred source of fuel.

• Heart Health

Studies show that people with a greater wholegrain intake have a reduced risk of heart disease when compared with low wholegrain consumers.

Eating just three servings of wholegrain a day may help reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30% as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

• Lower Cholesterol

Oatmeal is a rich source of soluble fibre, which inhibits the body's absorption of low-density-lipoprotein, which is known as the bad cholesterol. Avtively lowering your cholesterol may reduce your risk of heart disease.

• Weight Management

Oats contain the solube fibre, beta-glucan, which can contribute to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Beta-glucans are zero calorie carbohydrates, which form a gel in the gut, giving the body a feeling of satiety. Along with the slow energy release offered by the other carbohydrates, this helps you feel fuller for longer, which prevents the need to snack on sugary or salty foods throughout the day. Research has linked a lower risk of obesity to children who regularly eat oatmeal.

• Digestion

The high fibre content of wholegrain oats is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. When fibre passes through the bowel, it absorbs a lot of water and increases the bulk of any waste matter that leaves your body. Fibre helps speed the passage of waste material through the digestive system, giving potentially harmful substances less time to linger in the bowel and ensuring regular bowel movements.

• Gluten Free

Alford Gluten Free Range is made with 100% Pure Scottish Oats.
The oats are grown and harvested on our farm in Aberdeenshire and milled in our dedicated water mill, then every batch of oats is gluten free tested to make sure they are safe for coeliacs.  Our traditional methods of milling give the oats a wonderful nutty flavour.  

The addition of gluten free oats to the diet can provide welcomed variety and also provide many proven health benefits.  Alford gluten free oatmeal can be used in everyday recipes, from porridge in the morning, to homemade bread, delicious afternoon cakes and muffins and so much more.  Put a little skip in your step each day with Alford gluten free oats.

It is always recommended that great care is taken is taken when introducing oats to a gluten free diet.  You should discuss it your health professional first and introduce oats slowly, sticking with the recommended maximum.