With focus these days on functional foods, breakfast cereals are one group that has its fair share of super ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits in your bowl.
There’s no debate on the power of breakfast as the most important meal of the day for good health, disease prevention, weight management and optimal cognitive and physical performance.
Beta-glucan – is a type of soluble fibre found naturally in oats that helps lower cholesterol re-absorption and protects your heart health.
Calcium – is an essential mineral for building strong bones in childhood and protecting this strength as you age. Eating a cereal fortified with calcium plus milk at breakfast, is a great way to maximise your intake of this nutrient, and along with weight bearing exercise, prevent osteoporosis.
Soy phytoestrogens – are naturally found in soy beans and there is increasing evidence that they help maintain the heart and bones. They may also be beneficial for women during menopause to help complement natural hormone levels.
Zinc and vitamin B6 – are two main players in keeping your immune system in tip top shape. Zinc is also vital for growing kids and one mineral that they may fall short on.
Hi-Maize Resistant Starch – is a unique dietary fibre that is particularly important for bowel health as it encourages the growth of good bacteria. Research shows that Australians currently consume around 5g per day of resistant starch, however 20g per day is recommended.
Folate – is a B vitamin that is particularly important for women of childbearing age as it is vital for a healthy pregnancy. Adequate dietary folate can help prevent neural tube defects, like spina bifida, in babies. Folate is also heart friendly as it has been shown to lower plasma homocysteine levels, a marker for heart disease.
Antioxidants – vitamins C and E, along with plant extracts known as phytochemicals all protect your body cells from the damage of free radicals. By minimising this oxidative damage you are decreasing the risk of lifestyle disease like cancer and heart disease.
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