Oats: a heart health superfood that can drive down cholesterol
Heart Foundation partners with UNCLE TOBYS to help people understand the benefit of oats
The Heart Foundation is encouraging people in Australia to eat more oats for breakfast given the food’s versatility and heart health benefits.
Plain rolled oats can be used to make porridge, overnight oats, muesli, included in smoothies and also in a healthy apple crumble. When consumed as part of a heart healthy eating pattern, oats can help to lower a person’s risk of heart issues. [1]
Heart Foundation senior dietitian, Jemma O’Hanlon, said oats naturally contained beta-glucan to help lower a person’s bad cholesterol.
“Beta glucan is a special type of fibre that can help lower a person’s cholesterol as part of a diet low in saturated fat,” Ms O’Hanlon said.
“Around a third of adult Australians have high cholesterol [2], which is a leading risk factor for some heart issues. Eating oats is a great way to incorporate more whole grains and beta-glucan into your eating pattern.”
A partnership to raise awareness of the nutritional benefits of oats
As part of its push for people to eat a heart-healthy breakfast, the Heart Foundation is teaming up with UNCLE TOBYS to help people in Australia understand the benefits of including rolled oats in their everyday diet.
Heart Foundation CEO, David Lloyd, welcomed the partnership and said it would help the Heart Foundation work towards its vision for a heart-healthier Australia.
“By working together with UNCLE TOBYS, we can help more people in Australia manage their cholesterol and support heart health," he said.
Partnership activity kicked-off in Heart Week on 5th May with heart healthy recipes and on-pack information on the role of beta-glucan.
People can look out for the Heart Foundation logo on UNCLE TOBYS oats packs from the second half of the year, and visit the UNCLE TOBYS website for heart healthy recipes, or to learn more about healthy breakfast habits for your heart.
UNCLE TOBYS Traditional Rolled Oats and UNCLE TOBYS Quick Rolled Oats are available at major food retailers and select independent retailers in both a 500g and 1KG box.
Here's Jemma’s top tips for incorporating more oats into your diet
- Glam-up your brekky with ‘hot oats’
Recipe: Hot oats
Jemma’s note: “The base recipe for hot oats on the Heart Foundation website is your canvas – then add your favourite fruits, nuts and seeds.”
- Meal prep a grab and go breakfast the night before – in just minutes
Recipe: Grab and go overnight oats
Jemma’s note: “Overnight oats are incredibly easy and delicious and can be tailored to your taste. You can meal prep the night before, or make multiple containers for the week.”
- Include in your favourite smoothie
Jemma’s note: “Include half a cup of oats in your favourite smoothie to bulk it up and still receive the nutritional benefits of oats.”
- Treat dinner guests to a heart-healthy dessert
Recipe: Apple and blueberry crumble
Jemma’s note: Add oats or natural muesli to the Heart Foundation’s apple and blueberry crumble for a heart healthy indulgence.
[1] 2 servings (3g of beta-glucan) daily helps lower cholesterol with a low saturated fat diet.
[2] Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 12 December 2024. Accessed 9 May 2025.
Contact details:
Shaun Inguanzo, Media Manager, Heart Foundation
M: 0404 769 054 E: [email protected]