Oats-an ancient ingredient for healthy future

摘要

Oats are often referred to as golden graln or a power graln, and only for good reasons. Oats are rich in macronutrients including fibre, protein and oils. The special fibre of oats has galned considerable attention and several health clalms during the past decades. The protein content and quality of whole graln oats is highest among cereals, Thus oats have provided a large percentage of high quality protein of the diet's protein requirement through the ages. In addition, oats contaln relatively high quantities of the essential fatty acids, being rich in good quality oil unlike other cereals. As an additional benefit, oat is well-tolerated and sultable even for those who suffer from celiac disease or are sensitive for other cereals. The best quality oats grow in North, in a cool and moisture climate. Nordic climate, light fertile soil, and long light nights produce great oat crops with large gralns and high specific weight. Due to the ideal conditions to grow oats, Finland has a long tradition with oats. Hundreds of years ago, oats served as an alternative for rye as porridge and breads for Finnish people. Today Finland is one of the largest producers and exporters of oats and oat products in the world. Large acreage of Finnish oats is organic and oat milling has long history in Finland.