Is soaking oats necessary?

Do you need to soak oats? Yes, it's recommended for you to either cook or soak oats before consuming. Although raw oats can be eaten, it may cause digestibility issues, which is why it's always preferred to soak oats.

What happens if you don't soak your oats?

Though raw oats are safe to eat, it's recommended to soak them in water, juice, milk, or a nondairy milk alternative to avoid some unwanted side effects. Eating dry raw oats could lead them to build up in your stomach or intestines, resulting in indigestion or constipation.

Is soaking oats necessary before cooking?

When you soak oats overnight, it's almost like you're cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it's done without heat. Soaking helps the starches break down and reduces the natural phytic acid, which may help your body utilize the oats' nutrients much more efficiently.

How long do oats need to soak before eating?

Cover the oats and soak them in the fridge for 12 hours.

Allow your oats to soak for at least twelve hours before serving. The longer your oats can soak, the more flavor they will absorb. Avoid keeping prepared oatmeal in the fridge for any longer than 5-7 days.

Are soaked oats easier to digest?

Easier digestion: Soaking overnight breaks down both the starches and phytic acid – both of which can make cooked oats uncomfortable on the digestive system. Put simply slow soaking oats make them more digestible. 2. Better nutrient absorption: The phytic acid in oats can act against nutrient absorption.

The Power Of Overnight Soaked Oats



Can eating raw oats hurt you?

THE BOTTOM LINE. Basically, eating rolled oats straight from the bulk bin won't hurt you, if you're looking to go less-cooked with your foods. Feel free to experiment with your own preferences; unboiled, soaked in juice or boiled to creamy oblivion, and souped up with any sorts of fruits, spices and yogurts.

Is phytic acid really a problem?

Is phytic acid a health concern? Phytic acid is not a health concern for those who follow a balanced diet. However, those at risk of an iron or zinc deficiency should diversify their diets and not include high phytate foods in all meals.

Should I rinse oats after soaking?

Don't I have to rinse the oats? It makes sense that if you're soaking oats to rid them of phytic acid, you would need to discard the soaking water; however, this process is enzymatic. That means the phytic acid is deactivated (to some degree) and you do not need to discard the soaking water.

Does Quaker oats contain phytic acid?

Oats contain phytic acid, which impairs the absorption of iron, zinc, calcium, and more, and blocks the production of digestive enzymes, making your oats much harder on your stomach.

What are the disadvantages of eating oats?

Side Effects of Eating Too Much Oatmeal, According to Experts
  • You could significantly increase your sugar intake.
  • You're limiting your nutritional palate.
  • It can lead to malnutrition and muscle mass shedding.
  • It can cause bloating.
  • It can lead to weight gain.


How do you remove phytic acid from oats?

The main method is to soak the oats 12 hours or overnight in water. Using the same ratio of water to oats as you normally would to cook them. Soaking activates an enzyme in the oats called phytase that naturally breaks down phytic acid.

Are overnight oats healthier than cooked oats?

The rolled oats in overnight oats are raw, meaning they have fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals — without all that processed stuff (via NDTV Food). Soaking your oats overnight also decreases the phytic acid at a better rate than cooking your oats, according to research.

Why oatmeal is not good for you?

It is a high starch or high carbohydrate food.

So, in the end, yes, oats can spike your blood sugar, putting you on a “sugar-high” your body doesn't necessarily agree with. This could potentially cause excess weight gain.

Is phytic acid destroyed by cooking?

Heating foods can destroy small amounts of phytic acid. (Note: heat can also destroy phytase and vitamin C.)

Does cooking remove phytic acid?

How you prepare foods high in phytic acid can reduce the overall amount. Cooking, soaking overnight in water, sprouting (germination), fermentation, and pickling can all break down phytic acid so that the phosphorus can be released and absorbed by the body.

Can you soak oats too long?

Oats should soak for at least 12 hours but 24 is best, and a little longer is ok too. I usually start them soaking at night so we can have them in the morning. This recipe is also gluten-free and dairy-free!

What foods are high in phytic acid?

Here are four foods high in phytic acid:
  • Beans. Most beans and legumes contain a high amount of phytic acid. ...
  • Seeds. When a plant is ripening, phytate rapidly accumulates in its seeds. ...
  • Nuts. Nuts naturally contain a high amount of phytic acid. ...
  • Grains. Grains contain phytic acid, but only if they haven't been processed.


Does avocado have phytic acid?

Additionally, avocados also contain lower levels of phytates and oxalates compared to the most popular fiber sources such as cereal fibers, vegetables, and legumes, thus minimizing loss of calcium and other key essential minerals due to binding by such substances [77].

Which grain has least phytic acid?

For example, corn, millet, oats and brown rice do not contain sufficient phytase to eliminate all the phytic acid they contain. On the other hand, wheat and rye contain high levels of phytase—wheat contains fourteen times more phytase than rice and rye contains over twice as much phytase as wheat.

How can phytic acid be prevented?

Milling is the most commonly used method to remove phytic acid from grains. This technique removes the phytic acid but also has major disadvantages as it also removes major parts of minerals and dietary fibers. Soaking is widely applied and most important method in germination and fermentation process of cereals.

Is it good to eat oats everyday?

Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect. As a breakfast food and mid-meal snack, oatmeal is potentially a better option than the majority of foods available in the market.

Are uncooked oats better than cooked?

If you're wondering whether there's a difference between raw oats and oatmeal in terms of nutrition, Harvard Health Publishing says that cooking takes little away from oats, meaning they would essentially have the same nutritional value.

Is it OK to eat raw rolled oats?

Cooking Increases Their Nutritional Value

You already know oats are good for you, but there's no real upside to eating oats raw. In fact, the cooking process may actually release nutrients that your body can't glean from uncooked oats by itself, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

Who should not eat oats?

Many people with celiac disease are told to avoid eating oats because they might be contaminated with wheat, rye, or barley, which contain gluten. But in people who haven't had any symptoms for at least 6 months, eating moderate amounts of pure, non-contaminated oats seems to be safe.

Do oats spike blood sugar?

For many people with diabetes, consuming oatmeal doesn't have a lot of cons. Eating oatmeal can spike blood sugar levels if you choose instant oatmeal, laden with added sugar, or consume too much at one time. Oatmeal can have negative effects for those who also have gastroparesis, which is delayed gastric emptying.