Eating oats may ward off cancer: study

A compound which is found only in oats may possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and anti-cancer properties, scientists say.
Researchers said there is growing evidence that the type of phenolic compound avenanthramide (AVE) in oats may play an important role in protecting the heart.
The compound may also possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and anti-cancer properties.
Eleven scientists from around the globe presented the latest findings on the powerful compounds found in oats at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in Dallas.
Eating whole grains is consistently associated with a reduced risk of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease.
Most of the benefits have been attributed to the relatively high fibre, vitamin, mineral and phytochemical content of whole grains.

Notably, the soluble fibre beta-glucan found in oats has been recognised for its ability to lower both total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

"While the data to support the importance of oat beta-glucan remains, these studies reveal that the heart health benefit of eating oats may go beyond fibre," said Dr Shengmin Sang of the Center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
"As the scientific investigators dig deeper, we have discovered that the bioactive compounds found in oats - AVEs - may provide additional cardio-protective benefits," Sang said.
New research found that oat AVEs may be partly responsible for the positive association between oats and heart health.

Oliver Chen, from Tufts University, presented mechanistic data that demonstrated that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of AVEs likely contribute to the atheroprotection of oats.
Similarly, Mohsen Meydani, from Tufts University, provided evidence that oat AVEs suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines associated with fatty streak formation in the arteries.
In addition, oat AVEs appear to subdue the process associated with the development of atherosclerosis.