Quebec oats: a superhero grain

Flocons d’avoine biologique du Québec utilisés dans les collations Zenit

This fiber-rich whole grain helps curb hunger and keep you feeling full longer. Oats are a star ingredient in Zenit snacks, and for good reason!

In brief

  • Oats are a fiber-rich whole grain, including soluble fibers called beta-glucans.
  • About 3 g of beta-glucans per day (about 1 cup of cooked oatmeal) reduces LDL cholesterol by about 4 to 5%.
  • Its fiber promotes satiety and regular bowel movements.
  • The oats we use come from Olofée farm in Saguenay.
  • Zenit’s oat products are wheat-free, but the oats are not certified gluten-free.

The benefits of oats

  • Satiety: thanks to its fiber and protein, oats help you stay full longer.
  • Digestion: its fiber promotes regular bowel movements.
  • Heart health: its soluble fibers, beta-glucans, help reduce LDL cholesterol. Health Canada recognizes this effect.
  • Microbiome: oat fiber nourishes the good bacteria in the gut.

Oats at Zenit

Oats are found in several Zenit products: energy squares, balls, granolas, and oatmeal. We use large organic oat flakes from Olofée farm, a family business in Saguenay.

Note on gluten: oats do not contain wheat gluten, but they can be contaminated during growing or processing. Our oat products are wheat-free, but the oats used are not certified gluten-free.

To learn more, also read 4 superhero ingredients that are good for your heart.

Frequently asked questions

Does oatmeal lower cholesterol?
Yes. About 3 g of oat beta-glucans per day, or roughly 1 cup of cooked oatmeal, reduces LDL cholesterol by about 4 to 5%.

Do oats contain gluten?
Oats do not contain wheat gluten, but are often contaminated. Only certified gluten-free oats are suitable for people with celiac disease.

Danielle Dubois, Dt.P., dietitian
Member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec
Founder of Zenit Nutrition

References

  1. Ho HVT, Sievenpiper JL, Zurbau A, et al. The effect of oat β-glucan on LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and apoB for CVD risk reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Br J Nutr. 2016;116(8):1369-1382. PMID: 27724985
  2. The Visual Encyclopedia of Foods, new edition. Québec Amérique, 2017.

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