| Oat is one of the ancient food crops cultivated and consumed worldwide. β-glucan is the major active compound in oats, while oats also provide multiple other bioactive compounds such as phenolic acid, tocopherol, and avenanthramides. In addition to elevated plasma cholesterol levels, inflammation and oxidation of lipoproteins are also characteristics of atherosclerosis. On the basis of the serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol lowering effect, oats are ascribed antioxidative, anti-inflammatory properties and endothelial function protection. Oat consumption assists in increasing SCFA production and modulating of gut microbiota, to accelerate the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, following the reduction of systemic cholesterol levels. Studies have proven that oats have effects on preventing atherosclerosis. The review focuses on the various studies relevant to the functions of anti-atherosclerotic effects of oats, the aim is to provide reference for the following up studies. |