Oats are processed into various forms for consumption: 

• Oat groats: Whole, minimally processed oat kernels with the inedible hull removed. 

• Steel-cut oats: Oat groats chopped into smaller pieces. 

• Rolled oats: Steamed and flattened oat groats, used in oatmeal and granola. 

• Instant oats: Pre-cooked, dried, and rolled thin for quick preparation. 

• Oat flour: Finely ground oats used for baking. 

• Oat bran: The fiber-rich outer layer, often sold separately. 

 When considering oats for health, the differences come down to processing. The main types of oats are steel-cut oats, rolled oats, and instant oats, each offering different benefits.  

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