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Oats (Rolled and Steel-Cut) Review

Cadmium in Oats

May 27, 2025

Concerning levels of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, were recently reported in a popular oats product by a separate testing group. Get the details in our Oats Review, which includes our own results and our Top Picks for rolled and steel-cut oats.

Lowering Cholesterol: Oats vs Rice

May 15, 2025

In a recent study, people following a low-gluten diet consumed either oat-based or rice-based foods. Find out which lowered LDL "bad" cholesterol the most in our Oat Cereals Review, which includes our Top Picks among oats.

A Way to Remove Forever Chemicals?

March 27, 2025

Does consuming oat β-glucan reduce levels of toxic PFAS ("forever chemicals") in the body? See what a recent analysis found in the Benefits of Oats section of our Oats Review, which includes our Top Picks for rolled ("old-fashioned") and steel-cut oats.

Also see our Top Pick water filter pitcher for removing PFAS from water, and our article about avoiding PFAS in food, water, and other products.

Oats and PFAS

December 16, 2024

Could consuming oat β-glucan reduce levels of toxic PFAS in the body? See what a recent study in mice found in the Benefits of Oats section of our new Oats Review, which includes our Top Picks for rolled ("old-fashioned") and steel-cut oats.

Also see our Top Pick water filter pitcher for removing PFAS from water, and our article about avoiding PFAS in food, water, and other products.

Are Oats Safe for Babies?

December 09, 2024

A CL member asked if any oats we recently tested exceeded proposed federal limits for infants and toddlers. Some would, as explained in the Heavy Metals section of our Oats Review, which includes our Top Picks for rolled ("old-fashioned") and steel-cut oats.

Oat Cereals & Blood Sugar Control

October 24, 2024

Do different forms of oats affect blood sugar differently? Yes, and this also depends on how they are prepared, as discussed in the ConsumerTips section of our Oat Cereals Review, which includes our Top Picks among oat cereals.

Also see: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?

Oats vs Supplement for Cholesterol?

January 09, 2024

Can eating oats every day reduce total and LDL cholesterol as much as taking a phytosterol/stanol supplement, like Cholestoff? Find out in our Oat Cereals Review. Also see our Top Picks among oat cereals, including steel-cut, rolled, and instant oats, and oat bran.

Also learn about red yeast rice for lowering cholesterol and our Top Pick among such supplements.

Lowering Cholesterol with Beta-glucan?

April 18, 2023

Consuming oats, which contain beta-glucan, can help lower cholesterol. But do beta-glucan supplements help? See what a study showed in the Benefits section of our Oat Cereals Review, which includes our Top Picks among oat products.

Also see our article about supplements for heart health to learn which other supplements may help lower cholesterol.

Chemical In Oats

February 07, 2023

Chlormequat – a compound with potential negative effects – has been found in many oat-based food products sold in the U.S. Should you be concerned? Get the details, including products with the highest amounts, in the Quality Concerns section of our Oat Cereals Review.

Oats for Lowering Cholesterol & Improving Gut Health

September 20, 2022

Regularly consuming oatmeal may lower cholesterol and promote beneficial changes in gut bacteria in people with mildly elevated cholesterol. Get the details based on a recent study in our Oat Cereals Review.

Also see our article about supplements and foods for lowering cholesterol.

"Whole Grain" Is Not Enough

May 18, 2020

Not all "whole grain" products are equal when it comes to minimizing swings in blood sugar, according to a new study. Get the details in the Benefits section of the Oat Cereals Review. Also see our Top Picks among oat cereals.

How Do "Overnight Oats" Affect Blood Sugar?

May 14, 2019

We recently reported on the effects of various types of oats on blood sugar. A study by the same researchers has evaluated overnight oats – rolled oats soaked overnight in milk. Find out how overnight oats compare, see the Oat Cereals Review. Also see our Top Picks among oat cereals.

Best Oats for Controlling Blood Sugar?

May 10, 2019

A recent study compared the effects on blood sugar and insulin levels of steel-cut oats, old fashioned rolled oats, instant ("quick") oats, and honey nut oat cereal. The surprising results are found in the Oat Cereals Review. Also see our Top Pick for oat cereals.

Fiber Benefits

January 11, 2019

Higher fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of many major diseases in a recent study. However, the average American consumes far below the recommended daily intake of fiber. As oats are a good source of fiber, we’ve added details from the new study in the "Benefits" section of the Oat Cereals Review. (Also see our Top Picks oat cereals.)

Cereal Fiber Reduces Risk of Death from Colorectal Cancer

November 03, 2017

Higher intakes of dietary fiber are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. A new study suggests that higher intakes of fiber from cereal may reduce the risk of dying among those who have the disease. How much is needed for a benefit? Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Oat Cereals Review >> [Also see our Top Picks for oat cereals in the Review.]

How Much Do Oats Lower Cholesterol?

October 18, 2016

A new report shows that you can lower bad cholesterol by nearly 5% when eating certain amounts of whole oats or oat bran. For details, as well as our tests of products, see the Oat Cereals Review >>

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