Is Oat Bran For Losing Weight?

Soluble fibers are nutrients that help absorb water as they move along the digestive system. Due to its high content of soluble fibers, oat bran is considered a whole grain and is beneficial for maintaining healthy blood levels of fats and glucose as well as keeping bowel movements regular. Oat bran may also help you lose weight. Talk to a health care provider before changing your diet and to learn more about the benefits of oat bran.

How Oat Bran Works

After you consume oat bran, this food combines with saliva and later with liquids found in the stomach. For example, 1 tbsp. or 15 g of oat bran will absorb roughly 25 times its own mass in liquids from the stomach, which creates a sensation of satiety, explains Pierre Dukan, M.D., author of "The Dukan Diet." The resulting mass then passes into the intestines.

Reducing Blood Levels of Fats

According to a review of scientific research, foods rich in water-soluble fibers such as oat bran, oats and psyllium help reduce blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, Linda van Horn, Ph.D., indicates in an article published in the February 2008 issue of "Journal of the American Dietetic Association." Thus, oat bran also helps prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Sample Diet

The Dukan diet is an example of a rapid weight-loss program that uses the benefits of oat bran to eliminate excess pounds. This diet is divided into four phases, and oat bran is an essential food consumed during the entire diet. The diet begins with 1 1/2 tbsp. and increases to 3 tbsp. of oat bran daily. This diet is based on high intake of proteins in phase one. Later, vegetables, small amounts of fruits and whole grains are slowly reintroduced in the diet. You can consume oat bran with yogurt, as porridge or baked in cookies or muffins.

Considerations

Consult a nutritionist to find out optimal dosage of oat bran that may help you achieve optimal weight. Establish a daily physical activity routine as well. Oat bran does not replace and should not be used instead of any conventional medication or cholesterol-lowering drugs your doctor prescribes.