Remarkable roles: remarkably rolled

Avena Sativa, also known as the oat, has been eaten by humans for thousands of years. At one point regarded as the ‘boring cousin’ of cereals, and with unappealing names such as gruel, it fell out of favour with most of us. Recently, however, there has been a resurgence in its popularity.

Availability and a low cost have certainly played a part, but the numerous health benefits that arise from eating the grain have also helped aid its revival. According to a study by Harvard University, those who eat lots of oats and other wholegrains live longer and are less likely to die from heart disease.