A new study by the University of Bonn in Germany, published in the journal 'Nature Communications', has shown that consuming oatmeal for just 48 hours can significantly lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol. This positive effect continues for weeks, and even after six weeks from the end of the experiment, the levels did not return to their original state. The study targeted 68 people with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes excess weight, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. Participants consumed 300 grams of cooked oatmeal daily while reducing their calorie intake by about half. The results were impressive: 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) decreased by 10%, participants lost an average of two kilograms, and there was a slight improvement in blood pressure. This suggests that an intensive, short-term diet is more effective than a moderate, long-term one. As Professor Maria Christine Simon from the University of Bonn notes: 'In the early 20th century, the German doctor Carl von Noorden used oatmeal to treat diabetic patients and reported remarkable results. Our study revives this concept and proves its effectiveness.' The key to this success, according to the researchers, lies in gut bacteria. Oatmeal increases the number of beneficial bacteria that produce phenolic compounds, such as ferulic acid, which animal studies have shown to have a positive effect on cholesterol metabolism. Furthermore, these bacteria help break down the amino acid histidine, which, when converted, can contribute to insulin resistance associated with diabetes. To ensure objectivity, the laboratory teams that analyzed the samples were unaware of the participants' identities. The study was funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research, the German Diabetes Association, and other research institutions, enhancing the credibility of the findings. Dr. Simon adds: 'Adhering to an intensive oatmeal-based diet at regular intervals (e.g., every six weeks) could be a well-tolerated way to maintain normal cholesterol levels and prevent diabetes.'
