The nutritional benefits are clear: oats - especially whole grain organic oats, are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B and E, iron and magnesium. Magnesium and vitamin B are both particularly important for strong nerves (perhaps why those Scots explorers were so intrepid).Blood SugarsEating oats can spread the rise in blood sugars over a longer time period. Control of blood glucose and insulin levels is essential in preventing many of the complications associated with diabetes. Oat beta-glucan slows the rise in blood glucose levels following a meal and delays its decline to pre-meal levels. Here's how it works. As the beta-glucan in the soluble fiber of oats is digested, it forms a gel, which causes the viscosity of the contents of the stomach and small intestine to be increased. This in turn slows down digestion and prolongs the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. This means dramatic changes in blood sugar levels are avoided. Other sources of soluble fiber are grains, fresh fuit and vegetables.