Why Oats Are a Great Choice for Your Diet The humble oat, also known as Avena sativa, is a cereal grain from the Poaceae family. Oats are a whole grain and are high in fibre. Whole grain means they contain all parts of the grain: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals. Eating oats can help lower cholesterol levels and support heart health. This is largely due to their high fibre content, specifically high soluble fibre, especial