Posted on:  April 27th 2024 | Written By: GreenMedInfo Research Group

In the quest for a longer, healthier life, could the answer lie in a simple bowl of oats? A groundbreaking study reveals that this humble grain may hold the key to reducing age-related chronic inflammation, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and other age-related ailments.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide, despite being largely preventable.1 Recent research has shed light on the role of the immune system, particularly systemic chronic inflammation (SCI), in the development of CVD.1 Targeting SCI may provide a new avenue for preventing or delaying the onset of CVD.

In a recent placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, researchers investigated the effects of an oat product containing 3 g of β-Glucan on cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk in adults with borderline high cholesterol.1 The study found that the oat product improved low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and reduced cardiovascular risk.1

To further explore the potential benefits of oats, Dioum et al. conducted a secondary analysis of the serum samples from the trial participants.1 They investigated the effects of the oat product on a novel metric for SCI called Inflammatory Age® (iAge®), derived from the Stanford 1000 Immunomes Project.1 The iAge® predicts multimorbidity, frailty, immune decline, premature cardiovascular aging, and all-cause mortality on a personalized level.1

The researchers found that the oat product had a beneficial effect on subjects with elevated levels of iAge® at baseline (>49.6 iAge® years) as early as two weeks post-treatment.1 In contrast, the rice control group did not show any significant change in iAge®.1 Interestingly, the effects of the oat product on iAge® were largely driven by a decrease in the Eotaxin-1 protein, an aging-related chemokine, independent of a person’s gender, body mass index, or chronological age.1

These findings suggest that oats may play a novel anti-inflammatory role in reducing SCI and promoting healthy aging. The study highlights the potential impact of oats on functional, preventative, and personalized medicine.1

Oats have been extensively studied for their various health benefits, as evidenced by the comprehensive research document from GreenMedInfo.com.2 This document compiles 91 unique research articles on the therapeutic properties of oats, covering a wide range of conditions.2

The top 10 conditions that may benefit from oat consumption, according to the GreenMedInfo.com research document, include:2

  1. High Cholesterol: Oats have been shown to significantly lower total and LDL cholesterol levels in individuals with hypercholesterolemia.2
  2. Cardiovascular Diseases: Regular consumption of oats may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by improving blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and enhancing endothelial function.2
  3. Inflammation: Oats contain unique polyphenols with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce chronic inflammation associated with various diseases.2
  4. Obesity: Consuming oats or oat-containing food products has been shown to reduce serum cholesterol in lean, overweight, and obese adults, potentially aiding in weight management.2
  5. Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2: Oat consumption may improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, and lipid profiles in individuals with type 2 diabetes.2
  6. Hypercholesterolemia: Oat-derived beta-glucan has been found to significantly improve HDL cholesterol and diminish LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in overweight individuals with mild hypercholesterolemia.2
  7. Celiac Disease: Certain varieties of oats may be safely consumed by individuals with celiac disease, improving the nutritional value of a gluten-free diet.2
  8. Endothelial Dysfunction: Oats may improve endothelial function in overweight, dyslipidemic adults, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.2
  9. Insulin Resistance: Consuming oats or oat-containing food products may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance in individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity.2
  10. Hypertension: Regular consumption of oats may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension, possibly due to the presence of beta-glucan and other bioactive compounds.2

In conclusion, the study by Dioum et al. provides novel insights into the anti-inflammatory properties of oats and their potential role in reducing age-related systemic chronic inflammation.1 The findings, along with the extensive research compiled by GreenMedInfo.com, highlight the importance of incorporating oats into a healthy diet for the prevention and management of various chronic diseases, particularly those associated with aging and cardiovascular health.2 As we continue to unravel the complex relationship between diet, inflammation, and healthy aging, oats may prove to be a simple yet powerful tool in our pursuit of a longer, healthier life.

  1. Dioum, E. H. M., Schneider, K. L., Vigerust, D. J., Cox, B. D., Chu, Y., Zachwieja, J. J., & Furman, D. (2022). Oats Lower Age-Related Systemic Chronic Inflammation (iAge) in Adults at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease. Nutrients, 14(21), 4471. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214471
  2. GreenMedInfo. (n.d.). Oats. GreenMedInfo.com. Retrieved from https://www.greenmedinfo.com/substance/oats