Ground, rolled, or steel-cut oats from which a cereal can be made. Oatmeal has several therapeutic uses. In the diet, it provides fiber, lowers cholesterol levels, and can safely be consumed by patients with wheat allergies or celiac sprue because it has no gliaden. Oatmeal is also sometimes used in tepid baths or soaps to sooth inflamed or irritated skin.
Oats, which can be ground or flattened into flakes, are both flavorful and practical as a breakfast cereal or as an ingredient in bread and cookie recipes.