Hello, I'm an expert in nutrition and food safety. When it comes to consuming raw oatmeal, it's important to consider both the nutritional benefits and potential risks.

Oatmeal, which is made from oats, can be eaten raw, but it's not the most common or recommended way to consume them due to several reasons:


1. Digestibility: Raw oats are more difficult to digest compared to cooked oats. Cooking helps to break down the outer bran layer, making the nutrients more accessible.


2. Nutrient Absorption: The process of cooking can actually improve the bioavailability of certain nutrients, such as the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which is beneficial for heart health.


3. Taste and Texture: Raw oats tend to have a hard, chewy texture and are not as palatable as cooked oats, which are softer and creamier.


4. Avenanthramides: These are unique antioxidants found in oats. While they are not destroyed by cooking, consuming oats in their cooked form may provide more of their health benefits.


5. Contamination: Raw grains, including oats, can potentially be contaminated with harmful bacteria or toxins. Cooking can help to reduce this risk.

However, some people do choose to consume raw oats, often in the form of oat groats or as an ingredient in raw food recipes. If you decide to eat raw oatmeal, it's crucial to source high-quality, organic oats to minimize the risk of contamination.

In conclusion, while it's possible to eat raw oatmeal, it's generally better to consume oats in their cooked form for improved digestibility, nutrient absorption, and food safety.

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However, there's an even better alternative to eating regular cooked oatmeal that everyone should try- raw, soaked oats. ... But some people find oats especially hard to digest, even when gluten-free oats are eaten, and when no funny additives are included. This is where the benefits of raw, soaked oats come into play.read more >>