All grains contain phytic acid (an organic acid in which phosphorous is bound) in the outer layer or bran. Untreated phytic acid can combine with calcium, magnesium, copper, iron especially zinc in the intestinal track and block their absorption. This is why a diet high in unfermented whole grains may lead to serious mineral deficiencies and bone loss. The modern misguided practice of consuming large amounts of unprocessed bran often improves colon transit time at first but may lead to irritable bowel syndrome and, in the long-term, many other adverse effects. Soaking allows enzyme, lactobacilli and other helpful organisms to break down and neutralize phytic acid. As little as seven hours of soaking in warm acidulated water will neutralize a large portion of phytic acid in grains. The simple practice of soaking cracked or rolled cereal grains overnight will vastly improve their nutritional benefits.
The wonderful thing is you can add anything you want to oatmeal and it's going to taste great. I went with simple raisins and bananas with a bit of cinnamon. Try blended apples, blueberries, goji berries, hemp seeds, almonds etc.
Raw Creamy Cashew Milk Oatmeal
1 cup gluten free oats
1 1/2 cup cashew milk
2 TBS chia seeds
2 TBS currant/raisins
1 TBS maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla essence
Cashew Milk
1/2 cup cashews (soaked 6hrs)
1 cup filtered water
2. Combine all ingredients together and blend on med speed until mixed together. Don't put it on a high speed as this will make it more mushy, and this tastes better with some crunch and texture to it
3. Put into a bowl and cover, put in the fridge and set for a few hours (I usually leave it overnight for the next morning)
4. Top with bananas, maple syrup and cinnamon
* You can always soak the oats first for 6 hrs or so and then blend, then you can eat it straight away.