New clinical proof of the health benefits of breakfast cereals

9 months ago 13th Jan 13:38

A new, large scale clinical study has shown exactly why a bowl of cereal is the best way to start the day1.

In the 10-year study, researchers at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute have found that not only do breakfast cereals contain more fibre, iron, folic acid, and zinc than other non-cereal breakfasts, but those who eat them also eat less fatty foods, meat, eggs and sugary drinks throughout the rest of the day. The research also found that breakfast cereals are lower in fat, sodium (salt), sugar and cholesterol than other breakfast foods and cereal-eaters are more likely to take physical exercise.

The study, published in the latest issue of the journal, Nutrition Research, was undertaken with 2,379 girls who were aged 9 or 10 at baseline, with the intention of discovering exactly why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Their breakfast eating habits were then monitored throughout their teenage years. Previous studies had already linked children eating breakfast with better nutrition, lower mass index, higher rates of physical activity and improved quality of life. Now, this study shows that the type of breakfast is also fundamental to the health benefits achieved.

Dr Pamela Mason, nutritionist, comments: “The importance of eating breakfast has been well recognised by nutrition and medical experts for a number of years. What is valuable about this research is to see the specific advantages that eating a breakfast cereal can bring to individuals. It is remarkable how such a simple food option can have such wide-ranging health benefits.”