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"This campaign will help raise awareness and remind health professionals and consumers 'all about oats'. From coarse pinhead oats and superfine oatmeal to regular and jumbo rolled oats; there are so many ways to enjoy this great Scottish crop," said Hamish Walls, Chair of the Scottish Oats Group.

The campaign launch on 6 November was attended by Karen Gillon MSP, Shadow Minister for Rural Development, and was well supported by the Scottish food industry.

The event included a presentation by Dr Derek Stewart of the Scottish Crop Research Institute, who has recently completed a literature review of the health benefits of oats.

The HGCA's consultant dietician, Jane Griffin, also explained why oats were a valuable and versatile part of a healthy, balanced diet. She said: "As well as their versatility, oats are full of nutritional benefits. Oats can help reduce cholesterol as part of a diet low in saturated fat and a healthy lifestyle, and are a wholegrain food. As they are slow energy-release foods, oats can also help keep you fuller for longer to avoid the temptation of snacking. Oats are a good source of beta-glucans, phytochemicals, B vitamins, iron and potassium, as well as various antioxidants."

The campaign will run until next summer. See http://www.allaboutoats.com for more information.

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