Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should be taken seriously. So do cereals contain all the vitamins and minerals our bodies need? According to some dieticians, cereal is not as healthy as we think it is.
In an article published on Health For Mzansi, registered dietitian Jason van Heerden from Pretoria, cautions South African away from cereal boxes that sway us to believe that they are healthy.
According to him, these boxes often fail to spell out the hidden sugar content, something we need to be more vigilant about. Acknowledging that it is difficult to determine which is unhealthy and which is healthy, Van Heerden points to the importance of cereals being healthy, which will keep you alert and mentally fit.
If you have a meal that is low in fibre, high in sugar, and low in protein, the food in your system will be digested quickly, your blood sugar levels will rise rapidly, and an hour later you will likely feel hungry and your energy will decrease, Van Heerden says.
A way to test your cereals
Is there a way to test your cereals? According to Van Heerden there is. You may test your cereals by just squeezing them between your fingers; if they crumble readily, this is how they will act in your body. In contrast to other cereals, bran cereals are soft and crunchy, allowing them to remain in the body longer to keep you energised and fit.
Protein-rich meals are good for breakfast, Van Heerden says, and the finest options are bacon, eggs, and avocado.
He says that cheese is a great breakfast food, especially for kids, and kids can have good quality bread with a less sugary filling instead of cereal.
“Children get used to high-sugar foods if they consume them often. They will complain as soon as you add healthy meals; thus, you should introduce them when they are still young so they can get used to them,” explains Van Heerden.
This article, published on Health For Mzansi, contains more information on fibre and its benefits, why rye bread is a healthier choice, and more. Click here to read more.
This article was first published on www.healthrformzansi.co.za and written by Noluthando Ngcakani.
ALSO READ: SA’s litchi queen earns PhD after 20 years
Get the Mzansi Flavour newsletter: A weekly serving of crave-able recipes and handy lifestyle tips.
