Cereals have a high nutritional content. Different cereals have different nutritional values. Some are rich in vitamins and minerals while others are high in protein. Cereals are a staple food that is readily available all year round.
They are good for your health besides being a delicious and filling breakfast option. Cereals provide ample energy to keep you going all day.
Here are some benefits to adding cereals into your diet.
- They are an amazing source of energy—
Consuming food low in nutrients can lead to a faster depletion of energy. Cereals are rich in nutrients. This is why cereals can be incorporated into your daily diet to help you maintain your energy levels throughout the day.
- They are also an amazing breakfast option for children—
Children require a lot of nutrients while growing up. Because of the many activities that they enjoy, nutrients are essential to maintain their energy levels. Kids should also eat cereals to ensure that they get a portion of their daily fiber intake.
Fiber is vital for optimal body functioning. Its benefits include improved digestion and preventing heart disease, which can lead to death. Fiber can also you feel full and stops you from consuming extra calories.
- Cereals are good for bones—
There are cereal options these days that come fortified with vitamin D and calcium. There are many brands out there that deal in fortified breakfast cereals. Choose what best suits your nutritional requirements.
Since vitamin D and Calcium are vital for maintaining healthy bones, these are ideal for children and old people. Vitamin D and calcium go hand-in-hand to maintain bone’s integrity. Bones can be strengthened by eating cereals rich in vitamin D and calcium. These nutrients also prevent premature aging.
- Cereals are rich in protein—
Proteins are essential for the building of muscles and tissues in the human body. They are also essential for the health of skin, cartilages, bones as well as blood. Different cereals contain different levels of protein. Meaning, breakfast cereals are a great way to replenish your body’s protein levels.
- You get all the necessary minerals—
Our body requires minerals just like it needs vitamins and protein to grow and maintain good health. Cereals contain numerous important minerals that help generate hormones, maintain proper heart rate, transmit nerve impulses, and keep our bones healthy. Minerals found in cereals include magnesium, potassium and calcium. All of them are important for healthy disease free living.
- No excess fats in them—
Heart disease can be caused by fatty foods. Premature heart attacks can be caused by eating street food that is fried in unhealthy oils. A lack of healthy eating habit can cause the arteries to clog due to the accumulation of fats. And that is why it is best to eat food with the right amount of fats. Whole grains and cereals only contain the necessary fats for our bodies to function.
- Cereals keep your blood sugar levels steady—
Your glucose levels will skyrocket if you eat a lot of carbohydrates. Consuming whole grains and cereals can help to maintain blood sugar levels and reduce the need to eat at frequent intervals.
- No risk of constipation—
As we age, our bodies become less able to process food. High fiber cereals help maintain a healthy bowel function and keep you in control of your weight. Constipation is also prevented by regular bowel movements.
- Cereals support weight management—
Cereals have fewer calories. Because of their complex structure, cereals take longer to be processed. This reduces hunger pangs. You can maintain your weight by eating whole grains and cereals every day. This will help you feel fuller and less likely to binge eat.
Cereals are not only good for your health but also very affordable. But then you should choose your breakfast cereal based on your body’s needs.
Cereals are a great choice for busy parents who don’t have the time or energy to prepare breakfast.
So, whether you are shopping at the grocery store or checking out shopping websites, it can be difficult to make a decision regarding which cereal to buy. Even more so when each brand claims to have the best taste and nutrition. Read on as we dish out tips on how to choose the right cereal for your family—
- Know what to look for—
According to health experts, breakfast cereals are primarily about whole grains. It is important to choose a breakfast cereal with high fibre, low sugar, and zero saturated or trans fats. These are the things you should keep in mind when choosing the perfect breakfast cereal.
- Read on the product label—
When every brand claims to have the best marketing strategies, don’t let that cloud your judgment. To verify the authenticity of claims, you need to read all the fine print. It’s not worth buying a cereal that is high in calories. It is therefore important to read the nutrition labels on cereal boxes.
- Avoid sugary cereals—
Certain breakfast cereals have high sugar levels, particularly those with honey, chocolate and other fruit flavours. Experts say that sugar can sneak into foods in many forms, including Fructose and Maltose. These sugars can increase the calorie count of cereals. So, avoid sugar as much as possible.
- Cereals with high fibre content are the best—
Although all cereals have fibre, the levels of fibre in them vary. According to nutritionists, bran and oats have higher fibre levels than rice flakes and cornflakes. They also recommend oats because they are the healthiest. Muesli is next, followed by wheatflakes, and finally, cornflakes.
- Don’t be too generous while serving cereals for yourself—
You don’t have to eat cereals all the time. According to nutritionists, if you do this, you will consume more calories than you need. One portion should consist of two to three tablespoons of cereal. And that’s enough as far as cereals are concerned.
- Choose cereals carefully if you have any disease—
Cornflakes should be avoided by people with diabetes or those who are predisposed to it. However, cornflakes can be enjoyed by normal, healthy people.
If you have high uric acids, a readymade cereal box that contains almonds and dried strawberry will not be good for you. It can cause your uric acid level to rise.
So, now you know why cereals are a great breakfast option. By following the tips above, you will be able to zero in on the right cereal for yourself or your kids and other family members.