Originally cultivated for livestock feed for thousands of years, oats have now become a popular staple food, found in kitchens across the globe. It was approximately 1,000 BC that oats were grown for human consumption. Due to longer growing seasons in colder climates, they were preferred over other grains (such as wheat) in Northern Europe.
Oats Go Global
Oats were introduced to North America by Scottish settlers in the early 17th century. In 1755, the famous English writer Dr. Samuel Johnson defined oats as: “A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland appears to support the people.” The Scottish retort to this was: “That’s why England has such good horses, and Scotland has such fine men!”
It begs the question: what is it about oats that has earned them (and Scottish men) such a fine reputation? Let’s look into it!
The Wellness Grain
To begin with, they are fantastic for our health and are very fulfilling. Of all grains, oats have the most soluble fibre: beta-glucan. This dietary fibre dissolves in water, then transforms into a thick, viscous gel that makes us feel fuller for longer. Beta glucan also helps greatly with blood sugar management since it delays glucose absorption, so you won’t experience those awful sugar spikes or crashes.
It has also been associated with lowering cholesterol levels, which is why oats gained widespread popularity in American households in the late 1980s after scientific studies corroborated this claim.
Oats are also a rich source of essential nutrients like vitamins B1, B5, and B6, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron, which explains why they are highly praised by health professionals today – and why we choose them as a primary ingredient for our non-dairy beverages.
Our Mission
At Natura, we celebrate the incredible evolution of oats from their origins as livestock feed to becoming a beloved staple food found in kitchens worldwide. For thousands of years, oats were cultivated primarily for the nourishment of animals until around 1,000 BC, when humans recognized their exceptional qualities and began growing them for their own consumption. The longer growing seasons and resilience to colder climates made oats the grain of choice in Northern Europe, surpassing other alternatives like wheat. Today, oats have established themselves as a cherished ingredient, enriching countless dishes and delighting palates across the globe. Join us as we dive into the fascinating history of oats, explore their remarkable benefits, and discover why Natura has embraced their natural goodness to bring you nourishing and irresistible products.
Our commitment to Canadian suppliers goes beyond oats. We carefully select all our ingredients to ensure they are of the highest quality and are sourced from local suppliers wherever possible, to ensure that whatever you choose from Natura, you can trust it is the best for you.
The health of our local community and your well-being are our top priorities, so we work hard to offer you healthy options that are both good for you and the environment. We know how imperative it is to take care of our health, and we want to make it easy for you. Oats used in Natura’s products are naturally gluten-free, making our plant-based beverages an excellent choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. When it comes to our non-dairy beverages, we only use organic ingredients free from toxins and pesticides, so you know exactly what you’re getting: simple and nutritious food, without hidden ingredients or additives.
Our dedication to supporting a healthful lifestyle transcends our products. Recognizing that all individuals should be able to have access to nutritious eating choices, we donate part of our products to charitable organizations that supply food to those in need, such as MADA Community Support and others.
The bottom line is we are proud to be serving Canadians with wholesome and nutritious plant-based foods for day-to-day enjoyment. Our pledge to use simple organic ingredients locally sourced from Canadian farmers is what makes us stand out from the pack. By choosing Natura, you are not only feeding your body with essential nutrients, but also helping local farmers and providing those in need with nourishing beverages
