How healthy is cereal?

Cereals are an extremely popular food for breakfast.

They are easy and convenient for those who live a busy lifestyle but are loaded with added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients.

Cereals are easy to overheat, and many brands lack fiber and protein essential for promoting fullness.

The good news is that there are many nutritious alternatives available, both do-it-yourself (DIY) varieties like granola and brands that you can purchase at the store.

What is breakfast cereal?

Cereals are made from processed grains, and they are often fortified with many vitamins and minerals. It is also commonly eaten with milk, yogurt, fruit, or nuts.

Here is how the breakfast cereals are made typically:

1.      Processing: The grains are generally processed into fine flour and cooked.

2.      Mixing: The flour is then being mixed with ingredients like sugar, cocoa, and water.

3.      Extrusion: Many of the breakfast cereals are being produced via extrusion, a high-temperature process that uses a machine to shape the cereal.

4.      Drying: This is the next step where the cereal is dried.

5.      Shaping: Finally, the cereals are shaped into forms, such as balls, stars, loops, or rectangles.

Breakfast cereals can also be puffed, flaked, shredded, or sometimes even coated in chocolate or frosting before being dried.

Here is the list of benefits of adding cereals to diet:

1.      They are a good source of energy:

When we consume food that is low in nutrients, then there are many chances that our body will deplete energy much quicker than it should. Cereals are an amazing source of nutrients. It contributes to the fact that integrating cereal in your diet can help retain the energy levels throughout the day.

2.      They are good for kids:

Children need a lot of nutrients in their day to day life. Considering the activities, they like to indulge in are also important to keep their energy levels intact. Eating cereals also ensures that the kids consume approximately 10% of fiber every day.

3.      They are a good source of fiber:

Fiber is essential for the functioning of the body. It helps in preventing heart disease which can be fatal. Consuming fiber every meal can reduce the risk of heart blockages and also aids in  digestion.

4.      They are rich in vitamin:

Vitamins are essential in maintaining healthy bones. Calcium and vitamin D go hand in hand which ensures the integrity of the bones. Some types of cereals like granola cereals are rich in calcium and vitamin D, strengthening the bones. This will also help in preventing premature aging of the bones.

5.      They are rich in proteins:

The human body needs proteins to build muscles and tissues. They are also important for skin, cartilages, bones, and blood. Different types of cereals contain different types of proteins.

6.      They are rich in minerals:

Just like vitamins and proteins, our body also needs minerals to grow and also stay healthy. The cereals provide minerals to generate hormones, keep our heartbeat steady, transmit nerve impulses, and keep our bones strong. Cereals also contain minerals like magnesium, which helps in nerve and muscle function; potassium helps lower blood pressure; and calcium which helps keep the bones strong.

7.      They prevent heart diseases

Fatty foods also lead to heart diseases. Eating street food dipped in unhealthy oils will also lead to premature heart attacks. Unhealthy eating habits can also cause the arteries of the heart to block because of the accrued fats. Ingesting food which has appropriate amounts of fat is important.