Oat Bran vs Wheat Bran
Bran is the by-product left over after processing the hard outer layer of the grain. Well, here we look at oat bran and wheat bran. Oat bran and wheat bran are not the same in their quality and structure. One can come across many differences between the two.
One of the main differences that can be seen between oat bran and wheat bran, is the type of fibre that they both contain. While the wheat bran consists of insoluble fibres, the oat bran consists of soluble fibres.
As wheat bran fibres are insoluble, they pass from the body undigested. The insoluble fibres are softened as they pass through the various parts of the body, and they bulk up the stool, which causes speedy elimination of the waste. On the other hand, oat bran fibres are dissolved, and form a gel. As the soluble fibre mixes with the bile acids in the intestine, it helps to remove cholesterol.
Well, both brans are known to help maintain gastrointestinal health. An added feature of oat bran, is that it helps to lower the bad cholesterol level in the body.
As for content as well, both oat bran and wheat bran are different. One half cup of wheat bran contains about 12 gm of fibres, 60 calories and one gram of fat. It is also a good source of vitamin B, like Niacin and B6. Well, one half cup of oat bran contains 7 gm fibre, 150 calories and 3.5 gm fat. Oat bran is also a good source of folate and thiamine.
Summary:
1. Wheat bran consists of insoluble fibres; oat bran consists of soluble fibres.
2. The insoluble wheat bran fibres are softened as they pass through the various parts of the body, and they bulk up the stool, causing speedy elimination of waste. Oat bran fibres are dissolved, and form a gel. As the soluble fibre mixes with the bile acids in the intestine, it helps to remove cholesterol.
3. One half cup of wheat bran contains about 12 gm fibre, 60 calories and one gram of fat. One half cup of oat bran contains 7 gm fibre, 150 calories and 3.5 gm fat.
4. Wheat bran is a good source of Niacin and B6, whereas Oat bran is a good source of folate and thiamine.