How Does Oatmeal Clean The Arteries?

Oats are a source of carbohydrate energy, balanced proteins, vitamins E, B-1, B-2 and D, and micronutrients, such as copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium and manganese. Studies suggest that consuming oats promote healthy cardiovascular benefits by cleaning your arteries, which reduces the risk of high blood pressure and lowers your LDL cholesterol. Oats also supply positive physical characteristics to LDL cholesterol particles, making them less vulnerable to oxidation, which leads to hardening of the arteries.

Lower LDL Cholesterol

Oatmeal contains soluble fiber called beta-glucan. Oats eaten as part of a low-fat diet can lower your bad low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol and cut your risk of developing coronary heart disease. Beta-glucan reduces absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream and increases the ability of your arteries to dilate. Oats becomes sticky and thick when dissolved in water, which allows the fiber to travel slowly through the digestive tract and attach to bile acids in the intestine. Bile acids made from cholesterol get flushed from the body as waste.

Antioxidant Properties

Oats contain polyphenols with antioxidant properties called avenanthramides. According to Mohsen Meydani, director of the Vascular Biology Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, avenanthramides tested in laboratories had cardiovascular health benefits. Studies concluded that avenanthramides, exclusive to oat grains, were found to have anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent plaque on arteries. Avenanthramides, exposed to human arterial cells for a 24-hour period, greatly reduced the blood cells' ability to stick to arterial walls. Blood cells that attach to arterial walls cause inflammation and plaque deposits in narrow passages where blood flows. It was also found that avenanthramides stimulate nitric oxide production from cells, which cause the arteries to dilate.

Anti-inflammatory

Oats suppress production of inflammatory molecules, known as cytokines, and cellular adhesion molecules. Cellular adhesion molecules occur naturally to fight infection. However, when combined with cytokines, they draw a large amount of inflammatory cells in the vessel walls causing restricted blood flow.

Daily Servings

According to Mayo Clinic, consuming five to 10 grams of oats per day may cut your total and LDL cholesterol. Adding fruit such as a banana or blueberries to your daily serving will add extra fiber and vitamins. Keep your arteries clear of bad LDL cholesterol by not smoking, limiting your alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight by taking regular exercise and eating a low-fat diet.