What is the Difference Between Oat and Wheat

Oats and wheat have been used by people for centuries for their nutritional values. Both contain micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) as well as bioactive phytochemicals (flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, anthocyanin, etc.). 

Oat vs Wheat

The main difference between oat and wheat is that oat is a species of common grain belonging to the Avena genus. Its binomial name is Avena Sativa. On the other hand, wheat belongs to the Triticum genus, its binomial name being Triticum Aestivum. 

Another major difference is that oats are created with an open seed head while wheat is produced with a compact seed head. Even though the crops belong to the same family of grass (Poaceae), both have different sensory and nutritional properties as well.

Comparison Table Between Oat and Wheat

What is Oat?

Oat (sometimes referred to as common oat), is a species of common grain belonging to the genus, Avena. This crop is deemed popular for its nutritional and healthy cholesterol-lowering properties. 

The cultivation of oats is done in temperate climates. As compared to wheat, oats have a lower heat requirement and a greater tolerance to rain. 

Oats are mainly used by people in the form of rolled oats or oatmeal. They are also ground into oat flour to make baked goods. 

The crop is sometimes crushed into animal feed as an extra source of carbohydrates. The straws of oats are often used as bedding for domesticated animals like cows and horses.

What is Wheat?

Wheat belongs to the Triticum genus and is also known as Triticum Aestivum. About 95% of the wheat produced across the globe is common wheat, followed by other types of wheat like durum. 

Wheat was one of the first food crops to be domesticated about 8000 years ago. Since then, it has been the staple diet of many, who look for nutritional benefits at a low cost. 

Raw wheat is generally broken down into different kinds of flour that can be used to make cakes, bread, noodles, pasta, cookies, and much more. It can even be germinated or fermented to create beverages like malt and beer. 

The straw of wheat is often used as a fodder crop to feed domesticated ruminants like cows and horses. It is also used to create beddings for these animals.

Main Differences Between Oat and Wheat

1. Oats belong to the Avena genus and are also called Avena Sativa. On the other hand, wheat belongs to the Triticum genus and is also called Triticum Aestivum. 
2. Oats are produced on an open seed head while wheat is produced on compact seed heads. 
3. The global production of oats is more than that of wheat. 
4. Oats are generally rolled or crushed to make oatmeal. It is also used to make oat milk, which is an alternative to cow milk for vegans. On the other hand, wheat is generally crushed into fine flour or fermented to make beverages like beer. 
5. Oat has a higher starch and protein content but lower content of Selenium than wheat. 
6. Various varieties of oats are low in gluten or even gluten-free, while wheat contains significant amounts of the gluten protein. 
7. Oats lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease in humans while wheat can cause diseases such as gluten ataxia, coeliac disease, dermatitis herpetiform, etc. 

Conclusion

Both oat and wheat are widely consumed by people across the world for their nutritional and health benefits. Out of the two, oats have a higher starch and protein content than wheat but have a deficit of the mineral, Selenium. 

Wheat is a staple food in many places. It is easy to store, generally cheaper than oats and can be efficiently turned into flour. However, those on a gluten-free diet must avoid eating wheat as it can cause gluten ataxia and non-celiac gluten disease. 

Consumption of oats may cause allergies for some people as well. Oat contains the toxic chemical compound, Avenin, which harms the intestinal mucosa of Avenin-sensitive people.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1537511009002037
2. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4041588

Last update on 2022-02-08 / Amazon Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API