Oat bran is a true local superfood. Here you can find out how to use oat bran and what makes it so healthy.

What is oat bran?
We are all familiar with oatmeal, for example as a popular ingredient for muesli or porridge. Whole oat grains are industrially processed for the flakes, i.e. first heat-treated and then rolled.
Oat bran is a little different: it doesn’t come from the whole grain, but from the outer layers of the endosperm and from the germ. Oat bran looks more like coarsely ground flour and tastes nuttier than oatmeal.
Incidentally, oat bran should not be confused with husks: the latter is a by-product that occurs when oats are processed into straw, oat groats or oat flour.
Oat bran does not consist of the whole grain, but “only” the outer layers and the germ. But it is precisely in these parts that most of the vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber in an oat grain are found. So oat bran contains the best of oats in high concentration.
Oat bran: Good for digestion and cholesterol levels
There is about 15 grams of fiber for every 100 grams of oat bran. Thus, oat bran contains 50 percent more fiber than oatmeal. Fiber is essential for a healthy diet. On the one hand there is insoluble dietary fiber, i.e. indigestible fillers and fibers. These have a satiating effect, keep blood sugar low after a meal and ensure good digestion. Oat bran thus helps you to avoid food cravings.
On the other hand, oat bran contains the soluble fiber beta-glucan. Studies have found that this soluble fiber can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels by lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol. Beta-glucan combines with the cholesterol-containing bile in the body, causing your body to excrete more LDL cholesterol.
Oat bran as a supplier of micronutrients
Oat bran contains a particularly large number of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. So cover 100 grams of oat bran
73% of the daily requirement of thiamine (vitamin B1): Thiamine is important for psychological well-being.
12% of the daily requirement of riboflavin (vitamin B2): Riboflavin plays an important role in metabolic processes and energy production, as well as for skin, hair and nails.
12% of the daily requirement of folic acid: Folic acid is important for metabolic processes, especially for blood cell formation.
14% of the daily requirement of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5): Vitamin B5 drives away fatigue and ensures mental performance.
55% of the daily requirement of magnesium: Magnesium strengthens the bones, prevents headaches and calms the nerves.
28% of the daily iron requirement: Iron is a vital trace element that is essential for transporting oxygen in the blood and for generating energy.
19% of the daily zinc requirement: Zinc plays an important role in many metabolic reactions, e.g. related to growth or the immune system.
265% of the daily requirement of manganese: Manganese is a component of important enzymes in the body and is also involved in insulin production, for example.
61% of the daily requirement of selenium: selenium increases the immune system and has an antioxidant effect.

Use of oat bran
Oat bran is a valuable addition in the diet for anyone who
want to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels
who wish to maintain cardiovascular health
want to stimulate intestinal activity
watch your blood sugar
want to stay full for a long time after a meal
basically want to do something good for their body with vitamins, minerals and co.
Oat bran is very easy to integrate into the daily menu. You can use them as an ingredient, for example
in porridges and mueslis
in bread and other pastries (both sweet and savory)
in smoothies and yoghurt/quark
for patties or vegetable pancakes
If you add a proportion of oat bran to your muesli or bread, these foods are particularly high in protein, vitamins and minerals. They also keep you full for longer because they are richer in fiber.
Important: Always make sure you drink enough water. Oat bran and wheat bran increase their volume many times over in the stomach. This also increases the volume of the stool and stimulates intestinal activity. But if you don’t drink enough liquid, you will achieve the opposite: the oat bran cannot swell completely and an intestinal obstruction can occur.