Oats are one of the oldest breakfast foods going. There is evidence of porridge-like dishes going back to prehistoric times and Anglo Saxons apparently ate a dish of rye and barley meal with oats which they sometimes added vegetables to. Hannah Glasse's "The Art of Cookery made Plain and Easy" from 1747 gives a recipe for 'Water Gruel' which was basically oatmeal and water with butter and pepper.

The one drawback to steel cut oats, and it's a minor one in my opinion, is that they require a longer cooking time than regular oatmeal. I rather like this aspect of them. It means that to enjoy them, you have to slow down and step out of the hurry-hurry modern world for a while. And what's wrong with being forced to take such a break now and then?

Steel cut oats are available in most supermarkets, sold in cans or packages. The two whole-foods type markets in my community also sell steel cut oats from their bulk bins, which saves a little money over the pre-packaged ones.

Herb users believe Avena’s high calcium content helps in the prevention of osteoporosis and bone loss and build strong bones and nails. Menopausal women are encouraged to take a regular dose of Avena to alleviate disorders brought about by symptoms of menopause. Avena is likewise used as nerve tonic to nourish the nervous system. It calms and soothes nervousness in people who always under pressure. Other herbalists claim that Avena serves as aphrodisiac and could actually help men and women maintain a stimulating sexual relationship.

Nuts are also great snack foods to lower your cholesterol levels. These nuts include walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and peanuts. However, take note that not all nuts are good for the heart. Some nuts, such as macadamia nuts and cashew nuts, have a high fat content, which can be bad for your body. Also, when buying nuts, make sure you get pure nuts that are raw and unsalted. Nuts that have been honey-roasted or placed in chocolates, will likely give you more fats and calories.

Three grams of soluble fiber from oatmeal daily, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Besides all this, this nourishing cereal also contains vitamins, starches, minerals and 5g of protein. Clinical trials have been done, and they have shown that regular consumption of oat bran reduces blood cholesterol levels in just one month. High-fiber diets may also reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancers.

Oat groats that have been cut by steel blades. Often called Irish or Scottish oatmeal.

Besides eating them in the form we are most familiar with, the box of oats that we purchase in the supermarket, oat products can be purchased in commercial form as capsules, extracts, and tinctures.

Rice & Oats Premium is also the perfect snack if you're in a weight management program and you need a healthy snack that can provide the calories and nutrients which your body needs to enhance your daily performance. Just with 5-10 pieces of Rice&Oats Premium taken every two to three hours throughout the day, you can replace lunch /dinner meals and still have the regular fuel source for the body.