Aussie doctor fights back against influencer’s wild breakfast staple claims

Dr Zac Turner has hit out at influencers’ bizarre claims that a common breakfast favourite is actually bad for you.

Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr Zac Turner denies claims that oats are bad for us.

QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, someone I follow on Instagram loves to tell their followers that oats are bad for you. It doesn’t make sense! I thought they were one of the good ones. The person on Instagram says it’s because we should stop eating processed grains. Is this true? Are oats bad for me? – Tyler, 31, Perth

ANSWER: I can understand your confusion. It seems these days that every influencer and their acai bowl has an opinion on health and nutrition.

If I had a dollar for every time a patient entered my clinic with a concern sparked by scrolling on social media – I’d be a rich doctor.

Oats have been taken hostage in the latest fad of hating processed grains. Picture: iStock

Fake news

The best rule of thumb is, if it sounds dumb, it most likely is dumb.

Oats have been taken hostage in the latest fad of hating processed grains, particularly grain oils. Oats are not the same as grain oils, and the sooner influencers learn this the better. Oats are the everyday superhero.

There are some doctors and influencers on TikTok calling oats “fake healthy food”, as well as saying that it has a high GI.

One of the most important attributes of oats is their high content of complex carbohydrates. Picture: iStock

GI explained

The Glycaemic Index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates on the speed at which they’re broken down into sugars and enter the bloodstream.

Ideally, we want sugars (such as glucose and fructose) to enter the bloodstream and have a slow rise and then peak of the carbohydrate wave, and then slow descent, similar to the waves you see out in the ocean.

Processed foods have sugars that are ready to go and don’t need much digestion. When they hit the bloodstream it’s like a wave hitting the shore. A fast rise and high spike, then crash.

We generally try and avoid high GI foods because the sugar that hits quickly often leaves quickly, which then leaves us craving it again.

Oats are an excellent breakfast choice, keeping you satiated and energised throughout the day. Picture: iStock

Super breakfast

One of the most important attributes of oats is their high content of complex carbohydrates, which provide a sustained release of energy. This makes oats an excellent breakfast choice, keeping you satiated and energised throughout the day.

Moreover, the inclusion of oats in a diet can help regulate blood sugar levels, making them a beneficial food for individuals with diabetes.

Find basic oats without any added sugars or flavouring, and add your own natural flavours. Picture: iStock

Keep it natural

I understand why some people criticise oats, as they can sometimes come processed, or even flavoured.

My advice is to find basic oats without any added sugars or flavouring, and to add your own natural flavours when cooking them. Yummy but healthy options can include cinnamon, apples, banana and real maple syrup.

If you have any specific health concerns or dietary considerations, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian who can provide personalised advice based on your individual needs.

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Dr Zac Turner has a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Sydney. He is both a medical practitioner and a co-owner of telehealth service, Concierge Doctors. He was also a registered nurse and is a qualified and experienced biomedical scientist along with being a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering.