Tame Inflammation, Protect Your Brain, and Fight Depression With This Natural Supplement

Taking care of our health is important now more than ever. And with all that is going on in the world, keeping our moods up may also seem like a pretty tall order. Nonetheless, there are always proactive ways that we can naturally nurture our bodies to give them just what they need to stay healthy and happy. With that in mind, we bring you oat straw. 

When we think of the oat plant, we picture that tall, brown straw that sort of looks like a weed. Oat straw extract comes from the same plant, called Avena Sativa, but it’s harvested from the leaves and stems while they’re young and still green. 

Oat straw extract boasts a dense nutrient profile. It’s packed with things like zinc, manganese, and iron. It’s also shown to have a number of health benefits for your brain and emotional health, while also helping to ward off diseases associated with chronic inflammation.

Brain Health

As we get older, it’s especially important for us to take care of our brain health, and oat straw can help. Results from two studies demonstrated that taking between 800 and 1600 milligrams of oat straw extract each day resulted in improved concentration, attention, and memory. 

Anxiety and Depression

Oat straw may also boost your mood, and it’s even been used traditionally to treat depression. Recent research suggests it may help to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. Results from one study showed that taking oat straw extract inhibited an enzyme that’s found in immune cells called phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4). Inhibiting this enzyme has been linked to reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression. Other research also shows that taking oat straw extract reduces levels of proinflammatory cytokines — molecules which have been linked to depression and other psychiatric conditions. 

Inflammation

Speaking of inflammation, it’s clear that oat straw extract has anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation happens when the immune system begins attacking healthy, normal cells, leading to other long-term diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimers. Oat straw extract contains avenanthramides — antioxidants that have shown to reduce inflammatory markers in the body. One study found oat straw extract to be particularly useful in battling inflammation associated with cardiovascular conditions.

Luckily, there aren’t any known side effects of taking oat straw extract. That being said, always get your doctor’s OK before trying any new supplement. You can buy oat straw extract online, and as mentioned, therapeutic doses with the most benefit range between 800 milligrams and 1600 milligrams per day. For a product we love, try this one from Swanson ($7.90, Amazon). 

Here’s to a healthier, happier you!