Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You may be too busy in the morning to prepare a large breakfast, so you choose between skipping breakfast altogether or relying on breakfast cereals. What could be easier than pouring dry cereal into a bowl and adding some milk?
Of course, not all breakfast cereals are equal. Despite coming in similar sized boxes, with similar shaped pieces, for similar priced prices, there are quite a few differences between most cereals. Some claim to be high in whole grains and fiber, good source of vitamins and minerals, and good for your heart and cholesterol.
Chances are the breakfast cereal aisle at your grocery store will be loaded with colorful boxes and bags of dry cereal. The bright colors and cute characters on the packages may get your attention, but you need to look beyond the advertising to find out which cereals are best for you. Here is some nutritional information on Breakfast cereals:
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Oats: Eating a bowl of oatmeal each morning is the perfect way to start your day off right. Soluble fiber in oatmeal may reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol without lowering good (HDL) cholesterol. It has been found that those who eat more oats are less likely to develop heart disease. Oats are a good source of many nutrients including vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium.
Suggested Serving: 30g
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Muesli: Muesli is a popular breakfast dish (breakfast cereal) based on uncooked rolled oats and fruit. All the main ingredients of muesli are considered important elements of a healthy diet. Muesli is rich in fruits and vegetables therefore it helps reducing risks of cancer and other age related disease. One serving of muesli can equal two serving of fruits. Muesli is made of whole wheat and grain therefore it is high in fiber. Milk is often served with muesli therefore more protein and more calcium.
Suggested Serving: 55g (196 Kcal)
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Cornflakes: Cornflakes are generally fortified with various nutrients. Adding milk to that increases their nutritive value. They are a very good source of iron and are low in total and saturated fat and high in carbohydrates. Eating cornflakes for breakfast can also be an important step in helping to manage body weight.
Suggested Serving: 30g (108 Kcal)
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Daliya: Daliya or Indian Porridge is famous in North India and is made with whole wheat grits. It can be made both sweet (cooked in milk with sugar) and salty (cooked in water using vegetables). It is high in fiber and Vitamin E.
Suggested Serving: 30g (102 Kcal)
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Rice Flakes: Another popular breakfast combination in India is rice flakes (poha) and milk. Poha is flattened rice flakes or wheat flakes and mixed with hot milk, sugar or jaggery (gur) and a minute quantity of cardamom (elaichi), making a wholesome breakfast. It is extremely rich in carbohydrates and very light on palate.
Suggested Serving: 30g (102 Kcal)
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Wheat Flakes: Wheat is the most important cereal crop in the world. Wheat flakes features a host of important nutrients. It is a very good source of carbohydrates and calcium. It helps in substantially lowering Type 2 Diabetes Risk. It also helps to prevent gallstones.
Suggested Serving: 30g (92 Kcal)
It is not difficult to find cereals added with other ingredients such as pecans, almonds or flaxseed. Some cereals are even made with soy too. Since there are so many varieties, it's best to read the nutritional fact labels when comparing products.
