1. They’re Much Easier To Digest

As the oats soak overnight their digestibility improves greatly. Why? As they soak their starches break down which improves digestibility and their naturally occuring phytic acid is greatly reduced which makes them more easily absorbed by your body. The soaking acts just like the slow and low cooking process; which you don’t get from just heating them on high on the stove. Most people find overnight oats much easier to digest than cooked oats for this reason. Adding a fermented culture such as water kefir, kombucha or sauerkraut brine enhances this process 10 fold.

2. They’re Higher In Resistant Starch

Resistant starch is a natural type of carbohydrate found in all starchy foods. It’s been linked to increased satiety, improved weight, and even better digestion. Resistant starch is greater in cooled starches than in cooked starches. Many people allow their grains, beans (this does not apply to fermented and sprouted beans) or potatoes to cool then slightly reheat before eating them to increase resistant starch, which is more easily diminished with hot, starchy foods. Resistant starch can help decrease insulin levels that can also spike when eating hot, cooked starches versus starches that have been cooled. Fermenting and soaking oats is an easy way to eat your oats and take advantage of RS (resistant starch) at the same time.

3. They Save You Time

Soaking oats takes about 5 minutes at night and yet it saves you so much time the next morning. All you have to do is add your oats, soaking medium and water kefir or salt to a jar or bowl, give them a stir or shake, and pop them in the fridge to let them “do their thing” as you sleep. Then in the morning, just take 5 minutes to add your toppings and dig in or grab n go!

4. They’re Versatile

Even the pickiest eater or oatmeal hater will have a hard time turning down concoctions like this Carrot Cake recipe below. You can use any kind of juice, water, broth, whatever you can think up to soak your oats with and when mixed with the different fermenting cultures, well the possibilites are quite endless. See how many different variations you can come up with and leave them in the comments so we can all try them!

5. They Taste Like Dessert

The best part about eating raw soaked oats, is really the flavor. Seriously, it’s like eating a cake-like dessert for breakfast that’s actually good for you! You can’t go wrong when you can turn something healthy into a dessert-like meal you actually look forward eating; this sets the tone for the rest of your day to be magnificent as well!

Oats To Use:

Remember to choose organic, old-fashioned rolled oats. Steel cut oats are great if you’re fermenting then slow cooking (a favorite winter dinner around our house!) but don’t digest very well when eaten raw. Organic oats are a smart choice to reduce pesticide and other chemicals sprayed on crops.

Here is the recipe we’ve been using during the run of this EpicAcademy Yoga Teacher Training

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Overnight Soak

1 cup rolled oats (can also mix or use other rolled grains such as rye or spelt)

1 cup fresh carrot juice

1/4 cup water kefir

*if not using water kefir add extra 1/4 cup carrot juice and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix ingredients together in a glass bowl (never use metal when using water kefir), cover and let sit on the counter overnight.

In The Morning

Gently mix the ingredients into your overnight oats (or whatever grain combination using) to combine well. Add your favorite toppings and you’re all set.

Try soaking your oats this week and please do share in the comments below what your favorite combination is you come up with!

Live Vibrantly!

ps. Curious to know more about how to get the most nutrients from your food and make the best choices? Then I invite you to check out my book: “Live Vibrantly! 10 Steps to Maintain Youthfulness, Increase Energy and Restore Your Health”. Go herefor more information and how to get your free bonuses.