See Oats and Vegetable Au Gratin recipe. Au gratin is a continental dish, traditionally made with fat-laden white sauce and cheese. Here we have made the white sauce using low-fat milk, and to your surprise, we have used fibre-rich oats for thickening it! The Oats and Vegetable Au Gratin is also chock-full of colourful veggies, which are high in fibre, iron and vitamin A. Serve this healthy delicacy immediately and fresh with whole wheat garlic bread to make a sumptuous meal.

Is Oats and Vegetable Au Gratin healthy?

Yes, this is healthy. 

Let's understand the Ingredients.

What's good.

1. Oats : Oats are a great source of protein for Vegetarians. It is rich in soluble fibre, which helps lower blood LDL cholesterol, the so-called "Bad" cholesterol. Whole Oats have an antioxidant called Avenanthramide (a polyphenol from oats) which helps lower blood pressure levels. Soluble fibre absorbs water and swells and to become gel like substance which helps in the absorption of nutrients like B Vitamins and minerals like Magnesium and Zinc which are key to a good heart. See here why oats are good for you?

2. Milk and Low Fat Milk : 1 cup of milk provides 70% of the Recommended Daily Allowance of Calcium. Milk promotes strong bones. The Calcium in Milk helps to protect your teeth against gum disease and keeps your jaw bone strong and healthy. Milk is low in carbs and therefore does not raise blood glucose levels. One cup of Milk gives 10 grams of carbs.  Low fat milk has lower fat and the same benefits of milk. 

3. French Beans ( Fansi ) : French Beans is rich in folic acid.  A deficiency of folic acid can also lead to anaemia, as like iron they are equally necessary to make red blood cells. Without enough folic acid, you can get easily tired. Pregnant women can also benefit from its folic acid count. It’s effective to achieve weight loss, overcome constipation, control blood sugar levels,  treat high cholesterol as well as prevent cancer. See here for detailed 15 benefits of french beans. 

4. Cauliflower : Cauliflower is extremely low in carbs and therefore does not raise blood glucose levels. One cup Cauliflower provides you 100% off your daily recommended allowance of Vitamin C. Rich in Antioxidant. Being rich in Indoles, Cauliflower and other Cruciferous Vegetables like broccoli, kale, radish, brussel sprouts, red cabbage)  maintain Estrogen balances which is crucial for women. Read here for detailed benefits of cauliflower. 

5. Carrots (gajjar) : Carrots have the nutrient Beta Carotene which is a form of Vitamin A, helps prevent deterioration of the eye as one gets older and prevents night blindness. Carrot is great for the eyes.They relieve constipation, lower blood pressure, have fibre and lower cholesterol. Read the 11 super benefiits of carrots and why to include in your daily diet.

6. Green Peas : Green peas are good for weight loss, good source of vegetarian protein, has insoluble fibre to relieve constipation. Legumes like green peas, cow peas, mung, chick peas and kidney beans have a cholesterol lowering effect. Green Peas are rich in Vitamin K which aids in bone metabolism.  Is green peas good for diabetics and see full benefits of green peas. 

Can diabetics, heart patients and over weight individuals have Oats and Vegetable Au Gratin  ?

Yes, this recipe is made for diabetics. We have used low fat milk to make the white sauce. Oats are rich in soluble fibre, which helps lower blood LDL cholesterol, the so-called "Bad" cholesterol.  Cauliflower is extremely low in carbs and therefore does not raise blood glucose levels.

Can healthy individuals have Oats and Vegetable Au Gratin ?

This is a healthy baked dish.

Oats and Vegetable Au Gratin is high in

1. Vitamin C :  Vitamin C is a great defence against coughs and colds.

2. Calcium : Calcium  is a mineral that makes bones stay strong. Required from kids to adults.

3. Phosphorous : Phosphorous works closely with calcium to build bones. 

4. Vitamin B1 : Vitamin B1 protects nerves, helps in carbohydrate metabolism, prevents heart diseases and helps produce red blood cells. 

5. Fiber : Dietary fiber reduce the risk of heart disease, prevent the spike in blood sugar levels and hence super for diabetics. Consume more fruits, vegetables, moong, oats, matki, whole grains.

Note : a recipe is deemed high in a Vitamin or mineral if it meets 20% and above the recommended daily allowance based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

How to burn 140 calories that come from Oats and Vegetable Au Gratin?

Walking (6 kmph) = 42 mins

Running (11 kmph) = 14 mins

Cycling (30 kmph) = 19 mins       

Swimming (2 kmph) = 24 mins

Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual.