Oats (Avena sativa L.) are grown worldwide and provide an important staple food for people in many countries. Oats are commonly consumed for their acclaimed health benefits.

The oat plant consists of seeds (oats), leaves and stems (oat stalks), and bran (the outer layer of whole oats). Surprisingly, various parts of the oat plant are used to make medicinal herbal supplements that provide a wide range of health benefits.

Oat extract mainly includes:

1. Fresh milky white seeds: These are oats harvested early in the "creamy" stage. Early-harvest oats contain the highest levels of minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, which can be used as supplements.

2. Mature seeds: These are eaten as food and are rich in nutrients such as silicon, manganese, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A, B1, B2 and E.

3. Whole oat groats: groats are grains with grain germ, fiber-rich bran, and endosperm. Whole oat nibs contain a lot of nutrients, such as soluble fiber, protein, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other phytochemicals.

4. Oat stalks: These are the leaves and stems of plants, which contain very high iron content, as well as manganese and zinc.

5. Oat β-glucan (oat bran): This soluble fiber is related to improving heart health and lowering cholesterol, and can be used as a pharmaceutical supplement.

Benefits of Oat Extract:

Oats are a rich source of protein, minerals, fat, β-glucan, polysaccharides and dietary fiber. They also contain many other nutrients, such as antioxidants and lipid (fat) reducing chemicals, such as flavonoids, saponins, sterols, etc.