Oats and oat products may not be as healthy as you think

American physician Dr Steven Gundry has cautioned Americans against consuming oats or products derived from oats. 

He highlighted the presence of glyphosate, a herbicide, which he describes as “one of the biggest poisons” that “kills a lot of our gut microbiome” in oat products like oat milk in the US. Additionally, he mentions that there are reports of a banned herbicide being detected in all oats in the US, which has been linked to health issues, including cancer.

 

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This raises the question – do concerns about oats in the US apply to oat products sold in India? “Like many countries that import or grow oats, India could potentially face issues with glyphosate or other herbicide residues in oat products. Glyphosate is commonly used worldwide as a pre-harvest desiccant to dry out crops, making them easier to harvest. This practice can lead to herbicide residues in the final agricultural products, including oats,” admits Ipsita Chakraborty, senior nutritionist at Hungry Koala. 

While studies and media reports have highlighted concerns in the U.S., she says, comprehensive data on glyphosate levels in Indian oats are less publicly documented. However, the risk is potentially present if farming practices involving glyphosate use are similar.

Regulations or standards in India to ensure that oat products are free from potentially harmful chemical residues

Chaktraborty informs, “India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sets maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides and herbicides in foods, which includes oats. These regulations are designed to ensure that food products are safe for consumption.” 

FSSAI conducts regular surveillance to monitor residue levels in food products available in the market. Additionally, pre-market approvals and random testing help enforce these standards, aiming to protect consumers from potential chemical hazards.

While no specific brands have been consistently reported for harmful chemical residues in India, Ipsita Chakraborty recommends consumers should remain vigilant. (Source: Freepik)

Types of oats and oat products that consumers in India should be cautious of 

While no specific brands have been consistently reported for harmful chemical residues in India, Chakraborty recommends consumers should remain vigilant. “It is advisable to look for brands that openly disclose their farming practices and pesticide use,” she says. 

Brands that carry organic certifications or those that specifically state they are non-GMO and glyphosate-free provide a safer choice for consumers concerned about chemical residues.

What advice would you give to consumers in India regarding the safety of incorporating oats into their diets?

“While there is a potential risk for glyphosate or other herbicide residues in oat products in India, regulatory measures and consumer diligence in choosing products can significantly mitigate these concerns,” she reveals. Some key factors to consider when including oats as a part of your diet are:

Education on Safe Consumption: Consumers should be aware of the potential for herbicide residues but also understand the regulatory frameworks that exist to minimise these risks. Choosing organic or certified clean products can reduce exposure risks.

Dietary Incorporation: Oats are a nutritious food, high in fibre and protein, and offer numerous health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol levels and improving heart health. The benefits of consuming oats typically outweigh the potential risks associated with herbicide residues, particularly if consumers choose products wisely.

Balanced Approach: Diversifying one’s diet to include a variety of grains can also help minimise any potential risk from consuming too much of any single potentially contaminated food product.

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