January is National Oatmeal Month: Let's Talk About A-Ve-Nan-Thra-Mides

We're already halfway through January and those well meaning New Year Resolutions are probably halfway out of our minds and daily plans as well, if not out entirely. Welcome to the reality of making changes. Well, January 1st is just one day out of 365. Nothing stops us from pressing the reset button on any of the other days. In the interim, we can commit to just trying new things - like being more adventurous about consuming the antioxidant and fiber-rich food that are oats. Which brings us to the Word of the (National Oatmeal) Month: A-Ve-Nan-Thra-Mides.

What?? Yes, I had the same reaction when I first saw that name - supposedly they are a unique type of antioxidant peculiar to oats. We all know that oats are a power-house of nutritious stuff. They contain soluble fiber (beta glucans) and insoluble fiber; quality proteins (Avenalin-similar to protein found in legumes); numerous vitamins and minerals including manganese, copper, phosphorus, iron, copper, selenium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin B1. See extracts from two scientific publications below:

"... dietary fiber content, nutritional value, and health benefits of oats are high. Indeed, the increasing interest of consumers towards whole grain oats is mainly driven by its advantageous composition in macronutrients: (i) lipids with a high degree of unsaturation, including oleic and linoleic acids (about 40% and 36% of total fatty acids, resp.), (ii) proteins with a favorable composition of essential amino acids, and (iii) dietary fibers with a high content of β-glucan (2–8.5% w/w of oat seed). In particular, the high levels of β-glucan present in oats have been shown to contribute in reducing total plasma concentration of cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the main risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD)." (1)

For a while now, increasing attention has been paid to the antioxidants known as Avenanthramides (AVNs) which are plant alkaloids of secondary metabolites peculiar to oats. They have been found to possess a very special skillset: 

A growing body of evidence suggests that oats contain other important bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, which exert protective effects against the development of various pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cancer, obesity, and celiac disease, acting synergistically with dietary fibers (1)

Many studies revealed that AVNs have specific functions in human health and well-being. The bioactive compounds present have nutraceutical properties such as antioxidant, bioavailability, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, vasodilation, and anti-itch effects. (2)

AVNs are such a powerful nutritional food source with great therapeutic potential for age-related diseases that scientists are now seeking how to make them in the lab (bio-engineering) (2). Let's keep this term in mind as scientists continue to unravel its wonders.

So, as new advantages and benefits continue to come to light about the awesomeness of oats, can we go out on a limb and say that the production of desserts and other types of treats made from oats could at some point in the future become the preferable, standard option for health-conscious folks? We know we are not going to stop enjoying our treats, but perhaps we can be more discerning about the ingredients they are made from.  

Well, here's to the future of oat-based cakes, treats and snacks! Here's to  harnessing the therapeutic potential of Avenanthramides (AVNs)!! Here's to a healthy and prosperous 2025!!!

References:

1. Perrelli A, Goitre L, Salzano AM, Moglia A, Scaloni A, Retta SF. Biological Activities, Health Benefits, and Therapeutic Properties of Avenanthramides: From Skin Protection to Prevention and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 Aug 23;2018:6015351. doi: 10.1155/2018/6015351. PMID: 30245775; PMCID: PMC6126071.

2. Xie, X., Lin, M., Xiao, G., Liu, H., Wang, F., Liu, D., … Li, Z. (2024). Phenolic amides (avenanthramides) in oats – an update review. Bioengineered, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/21655979.2024.2305029

3.https://www.fox17online.com/morning-mix/national-oatmeal-month-add-oats-to-your-meals-for-a-powerhouse-of-nutrients-that-support-heart-health