I came across a study today touting the benefits of oatmeal fiber for fighting viruses in mice.
I disagree with the conclusions on one main point: the benefits observed came from the beta-glucans by themselves, and not the whole “food” (I don’t consider grains to actually be food, but that’s besides the point).
It is my belief that, if the reseearchers had fed the mice actual oatmeal, they would not have seen the same results. The antinutrients in the grain would have had deleterious effects on the rodents’ immune systems, and would have likely made their condition worse. Simply put, your immune system goes down the toilet because the grains stop you from being able to absorb beneficial vitamins and minerals.
The study was also funded by The Quaker Oats Company and Gatorade….need I say more?
Well said. Never blindly put your trust in scientists and researchers. They can be profoundly misleading.