Here is why some people get a little crazy about the raw oats thing. Oats in the raw contain phytic acid. This can block some absorption of important minerals. Some people see this as a big deal. For most people it's not an issue, especially if you take a multivitamin (maybe should take the multi at a different time than eating oats for this reason?). But cooking them won't make a big difference, you need to soak them to make them start sprouting so the phytates are reduced. Not going to happen with me, I only like raw oats with almond milk.
Next, raw oats can have worms and larvae in them. Cooking oats kills them. Not a big deal to me, as long as I don't see them, they won't bug me (hehe, pun intended). I've had dried meal worms before as part of a fear factor type game. They were food quality, came in a package, and there were different flavors as well. The oats issue is only a problem if there is a parasite in the oats. Cooking would kill it. But, most rolled oats aren't truly raw because they have been press-rolled and steamed or heat treated in some way. Maybe not enough to kill all would be body invaders, but so far I'm okay and I've been enjoying raw oats since I was a kid, so that's like 20 years of eating raw oats.
Raw oats are a bit harder to digest than cooked, so some people have stomach pain from raw oats. Not me, I can eat a whole big bowl of them, no prob!
So, are there things to consider, sure. Am I going to stop eating them raw, no way. They are sooooo good. I love oats, almond milk, and chopped walnuts and pecans, so good. Sometimes I'll add some chopped dates or a tiny bit of pure maple syrup for some sweetness if I'm allowed it at the time.
if I'm not mistaken oats (all grains in general) contain phytic acid Untreated phytic acid can combine with calcium, magnesium, copper, iron especially zinc in the intestinal track and block their absorption. not the case for quick oats but for steel cut/Irish oats. Soak them first that's what I do.
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