A clinical trial carried out in Germany revealed that consuming a low-calorie diet composed almost exclusively of avena For just two days it can lower LDL cholesterol by 10%, with effects lasting up to six weeks.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Bonn and focused on people with metabolic syndrome.
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The research, published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, analyzed participants with metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This disorder includes several combined risk factors, including overweight, high blood pressure, and alterations in blood glucose and lipid levels.
During the trial, participants followed a low-calorie diet for two days, based almost exclusively on oats. The results showed a significant improvement in cholesterol levels compared to a control group that also reduced calories, but without including this cereal. The benefit was maintained even six weeks after completing the intervention.
Oatmeal is low in sugar and rich in fiber, ideal for the heart and weight control. Photo:iStock
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300 grams of oats a day and measurable changes in health
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The study protocol established that participants consumed oats boiled in water three times a day, with the only possibility of adding fruits or vegetables. In total, 32 women and men completed the intervention. Each one ate 300 grams of oats daily for two consecutive days, reducing their caloric intake to approximately half of usual.
Although both study groups showed benefits associated with calorie restriction, the effects were notably greater in those who consumed oats. “The level of LDL cholesterol, especially harmful, was reduced by 10% in them; this is a substantial reduction, although not entirely comparable to the effect of modern medications,” Simon emphasizes. “They also lost two kilos of weight on average and their blood pressure was slightly reduced.”
Associate Professor Marie-Christine Simon, from the Institute of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of Bonn, explained that the goal was to understand the metabolic impact of this type of diet. “We wanted to know how a special oat-based diet affects patients,” he said.
Participants reduced their daily caloric intake to about 50% of their normal intake. Photo:iStock
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The role of the gut microbiome
The researchers detected that the diet modified the composition of intestinal microorganisms. According to Linda Klümpen, lead author of the study, “We were able to identify that oat consumption increased the amount of certain intestinal bacteria.” These bacteria actively participate in the metabolism of food and generate byproducts that influence different functions of the body.
Among these effects, it was observed that some compounds produced by bacteria pass into the bloodstream and can influence cholesterol metabolism. “For example, we were able to show that intestinal bacteria produce phenolic compounds when breaking down oats,” Klümpen highlights. “It has already been shown in animal studies that one of them, ferulic acid, has a positive effect on cholesterol metabolism. This also seems to happen with some of the other bacterial metabolic products.”
In addition, the study identified that other intestinal microorganisms reduce the presence of the amino acid histidine, which in the body can be transformed into a molecule associated with insulin resistance.
Oats modified the gut microbiome and the production of key metabolic compounds. Photo:iStock
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Better a high dose in a short time
The researchers concluded that the benefits were more evident with a high intake of oats concentrated in a short period and accompanied by calorie restriction. A parallel intervention, in which participants consumed 80 grams of oats daily for six weeks without other limitations, produced only slight improvements.
“A short-term oat-based diet, at regular intervals, could be a well-tolerated way to keep cholesterol levels within the normal range and prevent diabetes,” Simon said. As a next step, the scientists plan to evaluate whether repeating this intensive diet every six weeks can generate a sustained long-term preventive effect.
Europa Press
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*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information published by Europa Press, and was reviewed by the journalist and an editor.
