Avena

oat

Alternative nutrition
Oats are regarded by many as a healthy food; they are rich in beta-glucans, a type of soluble fibre, which reduces serum cholesterol by up to 10%. Oats also contains avenalin and avenin, proteins which are nearly as high in quality as soy protein and equal to that of meat, milk and eggs; the protein yield of hull-less kernel is up to 24%, the highest of all cereals.

Herbal medicine
An annual grass that contains proteins (e.g., avenalin), alkaloids (e.g., trigonelline), fats, minerals (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc), saponins, a sterol flavonoid and vitamin B; they are used as a nerve tonic and for depression and insomnia.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

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