Oats are a whole-grain food. The scientific name of oats is Avena Sativa. Oats have a well-balanced nutritional composition. They are rich in carbs and fiber, including the soluble fiber beta-glucan. Oats are also a good source of protein with essential amino acids. They are also packed with essential vitamins (B1, B5 and B6) and minerals and have potent antioxidant properties. In order to increase your daily protein intake, trying a healthy and scrumptious oats recipe can be a great idea.
Besides aiding in weight loss, they also have other benefits like managing healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Derive the best nutritional value for overall health by incorporating oats into your diet. Explore a variety of oat cake recipes to make your weight loss journey more exciting. But first, let’s have a look at the nutritional profile of oats.
Nutritional Profile of Oats
Oats are a good source of protein and are also rich in fiber and fat which makes it a healthy addition to your diet. Starch, which is the main component of oats, provides you with the energy required. It is low in sugar with only 1% which is sourced from sucrose. It also contains manganese which boosts metabolism, zinc which improves immunity, and phosphorus which supports bone health. Phytates in oats help the effective absorption of essential nutrients. Including oats in your diet will boost your overall health.
Choosing the Best Oats Recipe: Oatmeal Cakes
Here are some exciting oatmeal cake recipes that are easy and scrumptious.
1. Banana Oatmeal Cake
This oat cake is good for breakfast as well as lunch. To prepare this delicious protein oats recipe, mix 120 gms rolled oats in 240 ml hot milk. Soak for 15 minutes. Peel 2 bananas and mash the pulp. Add 2 eggs to mashed banana and whisk until it mixes well. Add 3 tbsp cocoa powder and 1 tsp baking powder to the banana and egg mixture and blend well.
At this stage, you can add a sweetener of your choice and mix well to give a sweet taste. Now pour the soaked oats into this mixture and mix well till it is combined to form a smooth mixture. Grease a baking tray. Pour the mixture into the baking tray and bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 180°C in a preheated oven.
2. Oatmeal Carrot Cake
This oats recipe is gluten-free and sugar-free and also vegan. Chop 3 big-size dates into small pieces and soak them in hot water for 15 minutes. Drain the water and keep it aside. Zest one orange. Peel and grate 4 medium-size carrots. Add half the portion of grated carrots, 1 to 1and1/2 cup orange juice, 60 ml olive oil, a portion of orange zest, and the soaked dates into a blender. Blend to form a uniform mixture. Take 180 gms oat flour and 90 gms rolled oats in a big bowl. Add a pinch of salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, 60 gms crushed walnuts, orange juice and carrot liquid mixture, and the rest of the grated carrot (keep aside some grated carrot for frosting). Mix all the ingredients well.
Give a mix again after adding 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda and 1 tsp baking powder. Grease a baking tray with olive oil. Line up with a parchment paper and pour the mixture into the baking tray. Preheat the oven to 180C and bake for 45 minutes. Make a frosting with vegan yogurt, 1 date, and the rest of the orange zest and grated carrot. Blend well. Allow the cake to cool unmould and top it with the frost.
3. Oats and Apple Cake
This amazing oats cake is super healthy and easy to make. Add a pinch of salt to 200 g rolled oats and soak in hot milk for 10 minutes. Whisk 2 eggs till fluffy. Add 40 gms sugar or any other sweetener, 4 g cinnamon powder, and 8 g baking powder and mix well.
Pour the mixture into the soaked oats and combine well. Grease a baking tray with butter and pour the mixture into the tray. Cut the apple into small pieces. Top the cake mixture with apples and cranberries. Bake at 180C for 45 minutes.
Conclusion
If you have a sweet tooth but want to eat healthy without adding extra calories, you should explore the oats cake recipes given in this article. It not only satisfies your craving but will be a value addition to your weight loss diet. But ensure that you always use good quality oats to prepare the oatmeal cake.
