You many have noticed that with the launch of the new Honey Rose Night Cream, there has been an oat theme on the Ishtar social media pages this week. There are several oat extracts in that cream that work wonders on the skin (including oat beta glucan, oat amino acids and oat powder).
Oats also have fantastic benefits for the skin as a food. These tasty oat and banana bites are simple and perfect for eating on the go. With only three ingredients (yes, you read that right -3!) these healthy cookies are cheap and quick to make. They are best made in small batches and eaten within 1 or 2 days (or if in our house, within 1 or 2 hours ).
The reason oats are beneficial to the skin is that they contain prebiotics, which sustain healthy populations of flora in your gut. Emerging research is finding that boosting healthy gut bacteria can have significant impact upon skin conditions such as acne and rosacea, as well as allergy related skin conditions such as eczema.[pullquote]Emerging research is finding that boosting healthy gut bacteria can have significant impact upon skin conditions such as acne and rosacea, as well as allergy related skin conditions such as eczema.[/pullquote]
Stimulating the growth and/or activity of advantageous bacteria through eating prebiotics such as oats is much cheaper than relying upon expensive probiotic supplements. Whilst probiotic supplements may be advisable in times of illness or stress, regularly eating oats will sufficiently maintain digestive bacteria in most cases. What is more, if you do choose to supplement, they will make your probiotic more effective.
In addition:
- Oats help to regulate blood sugar which is good both for skin and energy levels.
- Both oats and bananas provide the trace mineral silica which is crucial to collagen production, helps to firm skin and strengthen hair, nails and teeth
Healthy Oat & Banana Bites
Quick. No Added Fat, No Added Sugar, Dairy Free, Vegan
Servings: 16 • Serving Size: 2 pieces •
Calories: 155 •
Ingredients:
4 medium ripe bananas, mashed
180g of uncooked quick oats
1/2 cup crushed walnuts
Instructions:
1. Mash bananas in a bowl. Add oats and stir until well mixed. Fold in walnut pieces. For a smoother textured bite, first blend the oats in a food processor until fine.
2. Using a tablespoon measure out dough and place cookie balls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at Gas mark 4 / 180°c / 350°f for 15 minutes.
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