Study to look at health benefits of porridge and oats

Scottish scientists are hoping to discover if oats really do keep the gut healthy and can protect against heart disease.

Researchers at the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health have already carried out a study that suggests eating oats could promote healthy bacteria in the gut and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Now, they are looking for 40 volunteers for a study that will investigate the benefits of oat-based foods, such as the traditional Scottish breakfast meal of porridge.

Dr Frank Thies, Reader in Human Nutrition at the University of Aberdeen who will lead the study with Dr Karen Scott, from the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, said: “Oats seem to promote healthy bacteria in the gut. They also seem to reduce blood pressure and the levels of cholesterol in the blood which may be responsible for the development of heart disease.

“Our study will compare the effects of two different diets, one high in oats and one oat-free, on blood pressure, the activity and composition of gut bacteria, as well as cholesterol, sugar and other chemicals in the blood.

“We want to see if oats are indeed making a difference to the health of the gut and with helping reduce blood pressure and therefore the risk of heart attacks.”

They are looking for participants aged between 40 and 65, who are willing to change their diet slightly for 16 weeks, by replacing the type of bread and cereals they eat.

Initially volunteers will be asked to eat only refined food, such as white bread and white rice but not wholegrain food, for 4 weeks. They will then either remain on refined diet or switch to the oat diet, which will involve eating oat-based foods like porridge and oatcakes.

Bread, breakfast cereals, oatcakes and other biscuits, will be provided to the volunteers who will also receive recipe ideas.

Recruits will have to attend 4 appointments at the Rowett Institute in Bucksburn, Aberdeenshire, where they will fill in questionnaires about what they are eating and how they feel. Their weight and blood pressure would be checked and blood and stool samples would be collected.

Dr Scott added: “Recruiting volunteers who are willing to eat only refined products such as white bread and rice is just as important as those who are happy to include oats in their diet.