Are quaker oats safe to eat in 2022?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question, “are Quaker oats safe to eat in 2022?”. We will also discuss the potential health issues as well as the benefits of Quaker oats.

Are quaker oats safe to eat in 2022?

Yes, quaker oats are safe to eat. There was a controversy with glyphosate detected in Quaker oats, but the amount was found to be too small to be harmful to human health.

In 2018 EPW (Environment Protection Group) released research where glyphosate, the world’s most frequently used agricultural pesticide, was identified in dozens of Quaker, Kellogg’s, and General Mills goods, including cereals like Cheerios and Lucky Charms, 

What is glyphosate?

Glyphosate is a synthetic chemical that is the main ingredient in weed killers like Roundup. Roundup is a very common weed killer used by farmers worldwide. Glyphosate is suspected to be a human carcinogen, with new health risks emerging all the time. 

Some scientific organizations believe there is a link between glyphosate and cancer, while others disagree.

Glyphosate usually enters food at an early stage in the food chain, before raw food is gathered and processed.

Is there glyphosate in Quaker oats?

Yes, glyphosate was detected in Quaker oats.

The greatest glyphosate content was detected in Quaker Old Fashioned Oats, with more than 1,000 ppb (parts per billion). According to Quaker Oats’ website, glyphosate is not added during any phase of the milling operation, but it is widely used by farmers who spray it before harvest.

What are the risks of eating Quaker oats?

The main risk of eating Quaker oats is the concern for glyphosates. There are also a few other risks that are general to all oatmeal brands.

  • Glyphosate: The risk of glyphosate is still under investigation. But it is believed to have many harmful effects on the human body.

Glyphosate amplifies the negative effects of other environmental chemicals. The effects appear gradually over time, causing damage to cellular systems all across the body.

Glyphosate kills off good bacteria, allowing infections like the highly lethal Clostridium botulinum to take over the stomach environment.

  • Bloating: If you’re new to oats, you should start with a little piece to avoid bloating. Wheat and oats, for example, are high in fiber, glucose, and carbohydrate. Microbes in the stomach digest all of them, causing bloating in some people. Start with a little dosage and gradually raise to the target level to reduce negative effects.
  • Weight gain: Finally, consuming a large portion of oats may result in weight gain. Adding sugar and other sweet food products reduces the nutritional value of oatmeal because these additions add more sugar, calories, fats, and carbs. If you are looking to lose weight with oats, eat them plain or with fruits. 

How to avoid glyphosates in oats?

Eat organic: Eating organic will help you reduce your intake of even tiny quantities of pesticides. In the current EWG investigation, residues of glyphosate were found in very few of the certified organic items tested, mainly due to pesticides falling from neighboring crops or factory cross-contamination. However, none of the values exceeded the safety standard.

Some organic oats brands may also have glyphosates. If you are unsure which brand to buy, you can check out some glyphosate-free oat brands here.

Can quaker oats cause cancer?

There is no evidence that quaker oats can cause cancer. Glyphosate has been linked to cancer but the amount of glyphosate detected in Quaker oats is not enough to cause cancer. Research is still being done to determine the exact long-term effects of glyphosate on our bodies.

If you are concerned about the effects of glyphosate, you can purchase organic oats brands that are declared glyphosate-free. 

What are the benefits of eating Quaker oats?

Yes, Quaker oats, like all oats, have a lot of health benefits.

  • A lot of fiber: A cup of oats has about 10 grams of fiber, most of which is soluble fiber, that has been proven to reduce bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Old-fashioned oatmeal keeps your digestive system in good working order, and fiber keeps you full for longer, which can aid with weight control and loss, and prevents constipation.
  • A lot of protein and minerals: Protein, in combination with fiber, can help you stay fuller for longer. Oats are a nutrient-dense food that contains calcium, iron, and magnesium, among other vitamins and minerals.
  • Many micronutrients: The fiber and minerals in oatmeal have also been linked to weight loss. These features make the customer feel full, which helps to prevent calorie overeating throughout the day.
  • Better skin: Oatmeal is also thought to aid in the treatment of acne and dry skin. It then goes on to aid with skin disorders like eczema.

Other FAQs about Oats that you may be interested in.

What can I substitute for quick-cooking oats?

Are Honey Bunches of Oats Healthy?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, I answered the question, “Are Quaker oats safe to eat in 2022?”. We also discussed the potential health issues as well as the benefits of Quaker oats.

References

https://www.health.com/nutrition/pesticides-in-oatmeal
https://www.eatthis.com/side-effects-eating-oatmeal/

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