Can oats increase breast milk? Facts and easy recipes

After the birth of a baby, it is advisable to give only breast milk to the baby for 6 months. It is because breast milk contains several nutrients like antioxidants and enzymes that help in protecting the baby from several diseases and allergies along with obesity. Mother’s milk is said to be very powerful as it can help in the mental and physical development of the child as well. However, due to today’s diet and lifestyle, most women find it difficult to breastfeed as the milk is either not produced in their breasts or is produced in very less quantity which is not enough for the baby, and thus the baby relies on packet milk. But, how about if we tell you that there is a single ingredient that can help in lactation? So, if you are also a new mom who is struggling with a low supply of breast milk, then you can include oats in your diet. It is said that oats contain a sufficient amount of nutrients, which can help increase breast milk. In this article, we will share with you the nutrients present in oats, their various benefits and how to include it in your diet. (Images courtesy: Canva)

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The nutrients present in oats help in controlling the blood sugar of the body. Along with that, the melatonin and complex carbs present in oats increase the amount of tryptophan, which helps in improving sleep that’s much required when a mother is lactating. Oats are considered to be very beneficial for the skin, as one can use them as an exfoliator. Also, oats are rich in B vitamins, which help reduce the symptoms of fatigue, anger, and depression in women after delivery. Oats are also rich in beta-glucans, which can help strengthen immunity by reducing the glycemic effect.

Oats are considered to be the healthiest carbohydrates that the body requires to fuel the body. Apart from that, oats contain a rich amount of protein, starch, dietary fibre and unsaturated fatty acids. It also contains micronutrients such as vitamin E, folates and minerals like zinc, iron, selenium, copper, and manganese along with carotenoids, betaine, choline, sulphur containing amino acids, which are all necessary for our body.

Oats are rich in dietary fibre, which makes the stomach feel full for a long time and while helping in getting a sufficient amount of energy. It also helps in releasing the stress hormones and increases the "feel good hormone’ also known as serotonin, which produces a sense of happiness and well-being in a person. These two factors contribute to a new mother's increased supply of breast milk. Lactating women can rely on oats for a long time and include it in their diet in several ways. Here are some easy recipes that breastfeeding mothers can make easily at home to include oats in their diet.

It’s a delicious way of including oats in the diet and requires no oil to make. All you need is rolled oats and a few veggies like onion, tomato, cucumber, carrot, with a bit of lemon juice and green chutney and a little chaat masala and you are good to go. Put a pan over medium flame and dry roast rolled oats in it. When they are light brown in colour, transfer them in a large bowl and turn off the flame. Finely chop all the veggies and add some chopped coriander leaves in it. Once done, sprinkle a little lemon juice along with chaat masala and a bit of black salt. Toss with two spoons and enjoy this delicious Oats Bhel whenever you feel hungry. If you want to add some protein in this bhel, add 2-3 tablespoons of soaked and boiled chickpeas. (Image courtesy: Instagram/@eat_crunch_slurp)

This dish is just oh-so-amazing when it comes to taste and is made by boiling oats with a little ghee and spices like cinnamon powder, ginger powder, nutmeg powder and some water. The ratio of oats to water is 1:4 which means that for 1 part of oats, add 4 parts of water. Once boiled, the oats are simmered in water for 10-12 minutes until they are soft and soupy. Once they are done, turn off the flame and add a good quantity of flax seeds along with chopped dates and a healthy sugar substitute such as honey, jaggery or coconut sugar. One can enjoy this dish as it is, or top up with some almond milk. The spices added in this recipe will help in boosting the metabolism along with breast milk production while satisfying those cravings.