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Ode to Oats

They’re a great way to fuel your brain

By

Staying Sharp

Updated June 14, 2024

Updated June 14, 2024

An up-close view of oats on a plain background

Eric Anthony Johnson/Getty

Quick Win

Eating oats can help support brain function.

Try This Today

While planning meals, include oats in your breakfast or snacks.
As you make your grocery list, check out some oat recipes, such as honey oat quick bread, blueberry-oat scones, oatmeal-almond pancakes, strawberry-rhubarb crisp and fresh apple squares!

Why

How does your brain love oats? Let us count the ways! Not only are these little guys packed with energy and fiber, but they’re also full of antioxidants, which help the brain function and fight inflammation, according to a 2021 series of studies published in Antioxidants. Oats are one of the whole grains that AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health recommends as part of a healthy diet. It’s time to start making muffins, preparing pancakes, baking bread. Whatever you choose, make it an ode to oats.

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Legal Disclaimer: Staying Sharp, including all content and features, is offered for informational purposes and to educate users on brain health care and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Staying Sharp is based on a holistic, lifestyle approach to brain health that encourages users to incorporate into their daily lives activities that are associated with general wellness. Nothing in the service should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Features including the Cognitive Assessment and Lifestyle Check-Ins, Additional Tests, exercises, and challenges assess performance at a particular moment in time on certain discrete cognitive tasks. Staying Sharp games are intended for entertainment and recreational purposes only. Various factors may affect performance, including sleep, tiredness, focus, and other social, environmental, or emotional factors. Performance is not indicative of cognitive health and not predictive of future performance or medical conditions.

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