Cereal Nutrition Facts – Benefits of the Popular Breakfast Food
Starting the day with cereals for breakfast is a healthy idea that is popular among many people, especially those who wish to control their weight and also avail high fiber food. The nutrition that is provided by cereals is balanced and helps to lead an active life.
Cereal Nutrition Facts – Myths and Reality
Most people blindly believe the cereal nutrition facts being given out by high pitched commercials and assume that merely eating cereals for breakfast will address the obesity problem entirely. However there are many limitations to what cereals can actually do. Firstly not all cereals are low in calories and eating more than half a cup of commercial varieties is detrimental to weight control programs. Whole grains are always preferable to the cereals that come after having been processed depriving them of the essential fibers, folate, selenium and phytochemicals which are the source of all beneficial effects of cereals. In fact among the lesser known cereal nutrition facts are the misconceptions regarding the actual sugar content. Many tasty cereals available in the market actually contain large percentage of sugar that will ultimately lead to weight gain.
Cereal Calories – the Correct Proportion
Since breakfast forms the most important meal of the day it is essential to monitor the cereal calories that is actually gained in each helping. Physicians recommend that breakfast should contain at least 400 to 500 calories along with protein and fibers. Most commercially available cereal products actually provide that much and even more. The correct intake can be ensured by limiting to the recommended amount and choosing cereals that have contents which will give the required calories in about two cups. Certain whole grain products are very low on calories which are also undesirable since breakfast must provide the nutrition requirements for an entire day ahead. Supplementing such breakfast with a glass of low fat and skimmed milk will cater for the deficiency of cereal calories.
High Fiber Cereal – the Requirement
Eating high fiber cereal for breakfast is the ideal means of weight control and effective muscle building. The high fiber content gives a feeling of fullness which curtails the desire to eat more thereby controlling the food intake and maintaining weight. Cereals which have high fiber content additionally help by lowering blood pressure, controlling blood sugar level and reducing the risks of heart attacks. Ideally the fiber content of any breakfast should be from three to five percent of the quantity consumed which is what is approximately available in cereals. Additionally the high fiber content also aids the process of muscle building making it ideal for growing children and pregnant women.