What is oat flour and what is it used for?

If you have visited a supermarket in recent weeks, you have surely noticed that there are more and more gluten-free, vegan, organic, and generally healthy options, so the baking department cannot be the exception. Many people have incorporated agave honey, dark chocolate, cacao nibs, and monk fruit into their desserts; however, the novelty ingredient is oat flour. Here we tell you what it is, what it is used for, and how to prepare it.  What is oat flour? Oat flour is a product that has reached the shelves in recent months, as more and more people are looking for light, healthy, and gluten-free options, making oats ideal if you want to take care of your health. You can also read: 5 benefits of consuming oats What are the benefits of oat flour? Unlike wheat flour, oat flour contains a higher amount of: Fiber Protein Iron Calcium However, it is worth mentioning that, being a relatively new product, its concrete effects and benefits have not yet been studied, so it can only be speculated that it has the same benefits as oats, for example: 1. Contains all kinds of nutrients Folic acid Amino acids Antioxidants Fiber Phosphorus Iron Magnesium Manganese Vitamins B1 and B5 Zinc  2. Could care for your heart  Thanks to the incredible compounds in oats that keep the heart healthy and strong, oat flour could also help regulate cholesterol levels. Moreover, oats also contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that combats bad cholesterol levels.  3. Could help reduce sugar levels For years, experts have emphasized that oats may have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. Additionally, its beta-glucan content could help prevent insulin resistance.   4. Fights constipation! If your digestion isn’t the best and you need to increase your fiber intake, then there’s no better option than oats, which also make you feel full for longer. We hope these benefits also apply to oat flour!  What is oat flour used for? As you may already know, wheat flour contains gluten, a compound essential for giving elasticity to dough, which is necessary when preparing pizzas, breads, and even cakes. Since oats do not contain gluten, they cannot be substituted in all recipes, but rather should be used in recipes specifically designed for this type of ingredient.  You can also read: 4 ways to include oats in your beauty routine How is oat flour made? If you are determined to try oat flour and prepare delicious creations with this ingredient, we have good news, as you don’t need to spend much to obtain this product; you can make it at home in no time, and we will explain how! The food blog Love & Lemons recommends preparing oat flour as follows: Ingredients Oat flakes Instructions Grind the oat flakes in a food processor for a couple of minutes. Turn off the blender, stir a bit, and continue processing until you achieve a very fine powder texture.  Store the oat flour in an airtight container; you can use it for up to three months! Now that you know how to make oat flour, feel free to start experimenting in the kitchen and prepare pancakes, cookies, bread, and more delights with this nutritious and light option.  You can also read: 5 tips for preparing the fluffiest oat pancakes