Oats are a cereal grown for their seeds, which are renowned for their nutritional value.
Originally from South-East Europe and South-West Asia, oats are now grown all over the world. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is prized for its dietary fibre, particularly beta-glucan, which contributes to heart health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. As well as being used in human food in the form of oat flakes, it is also used to feed livestock. Interestingly, oats can improve soil health as a cover crop, which also supports biodiversity.