10 Healthy Cereals to Start Your Morning
There are countless options for breakfast cereals on the market these days, but not all of them are healthy. If you’re looking for a nutritious way to start your morning, here are ten healthy kinds of cereal to choose from. From oatmeal to granola, these cereals will give you sustained energy throughout the day, from oatmeal to granola. So skip the sugary breakfast cereal and go for one of these healthier options instead!
Types of Cereals
Cereals are simply edible grains. They make up a large percentage of our daily meals because of their fast growth and sustainable mass production. They are, simply put, the heart of the food trade.
More often than not, the most harmful forms of a thing are the most popular ones. The same can be said of cereals. The most popular cereals like rice, corn, wheat, and oats have a high glycemic index, making them less of a good option for people with diabetes. The healthier forms of cereals like barley and rye are less prevalent in the west but quite famous in Asia.
The nutrients derivable from cereals include minerals, vitamins, fats, oils, proteins, and carbohydrates. Eating the same meal daily can wear your appetite out. As such, you should switch things up from time to time. You can also change things by mixing your cereals and topping them with fruits, vegetables, or proteins.
Of course, there are more cereals than the ones listed below, but not all cereals benefit your health. Below are the uncommon types of cereals you can try out.
Barley
Barley is one of the most prominent cereals used in malt production. Besides its usage in brewing, barley can make bread, stews, and soups. Since India is the home of barley cultivation and production, it is natural that some of its culinary importances are less known to other regions like the west.
However, there’s a high probability of finding barley meals in the Indian/Asian restaurant near you. Barley benefits us as it is rich in minerals and antioxidants.
Rye
Rye Is a must-consume for people with celiac disease because of its gluten-free nature. In Rye, the glycemic index is very low, and its fiber content is huge. Rye is also suitable for diabetics because its fiber makes you feel full without filling your blood with too much sugar.
Other nutrients present in rye include minerals and nutrients. It helps lessen the risk of LDL cholesterol, constipation, and cardiovascular diseases often linked to unhealthy cereals. Rye is used in the production of bread, beer, and whisky.
Sorghum
Sorghum, aka Jowar or durra, belongs to the millet family. It is rich in manganese and calcium, two minerals that are essential to the human body. Compared to other carb sources, sorghum is safe for diabetics and people with cholesterol-related diseases.
Wheat
Although the wheat plant thrives in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions, it is one of the most popular cereals. Like its parent Gramineae family, cereal, the wheat crop can be broken down into different types: durum, bread wheat, Kamut, einkorn, and emmer.
Wheat is preferred to other cereals because of its unique health properties. If you are looking for a cereal with low fat, no sodium, a safe amount of potassium, and lots of dietary fiber, magnesium, and zinc, feel free to opt for wheat.
Oats
Oats crept into our breakfast porridge and office biscuits. Oatmeal or oat flour is increasing in popularity thanks to its verified health benefits. Oats have been linked to cholesterol level reduction. The cereal has a low glycemic index making it a perfect replacement for white rice.
Quinoa
Popular among Millenials, Quinoa is a gluten-free cereal that can also serve as a protein source. Other nutrients found in Quinoa are iron, fiber, calcium, potassium, vitamins, and antioxidants. It is often recommended as a great alternative to white rice for people who intend to lose fats, cut blood sugar and enhance general wellness.
Buckwheat
Our list of gluten-free cereals won’t be complete without the niacin-rich culinary item, buckwheat. Buckwheat has a low-glycemic index, making it a perfect option for people with diabetes.
10 Healthy Cereals To Start Your Morning
People who don’t have access to raw cereals because of unavailability in their location can opt for processed alternatives. You can find every cereal product listed below on Amazon’s online store.
Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds
There’s an unraveled magic behind crunchy morning meals that instantly awakens one’s spirit and prepares you for the day’s challenges. Honey bunches of oats with almonds strike the right nerves on your tongue without piling fats in your stomach. Yes, you heard that right — this oatmeal has low fat and no cholesterol. Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds offer a modest 10g per serving.
Pros
- Cholesterol-free.
- Low fat.
- Almond-flavored.
- Perfect for breakfast.
- Delicious.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Some consumers complained that the crunchy was tampered with due to mishandling by the delivery official.
Multi-Grain Cheerios
Brunching on the same cereal can wear you out before the day’s troubles knock. To renew your spirit and brighten your day, you should go for meals with mixed cereals. Multi Grain Cheerios contain corn, sorghum, and rice. In addition, it is enriched with vitamins A, B1, B2, B9, B6, B12, C, and D3.
Pros
- Cholesterol-free.
- Made with a combo of whole grains.
- Gluten-free.
- Great meal for kids.
Cons
- Contains preservatives.
Weetabix Whole Grain Cereal Biscuits
The morning is always the best time to have a light meal. Of course, you don’t want to doze off at work or on the train. The early part of the day does not demand too much — only that you stay alert and attentive.
Weetabix whole grain cereal biscuits are a great meal to ingest before bolting to the emergency meeting at work. You can also take the biscuits with coffee or with milk. Each serving contains about 6 grams.
Pros
- Salt content is low.
- Low-fat.
- Non-GMO.
Cons
- Different from British Weetabix.
Arrowhead Mills Puffed Kamut Cereal
We’ve recommended crunchy and hearty, but we’re yet to go “nutty.” The Arrowhead Mills Puffed Kamut is your best go-to if you love a nutty meal. Its texture is light puffy, while its flavor is nutty.
The Arrowhead Mills Puffed Kamut goes well with almond milk or sliced fruit. The whole grains product offers 50 calories per serving.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Easy consumption.
- Sodium free.
- Sugarfree.
- Fat-free.
- Great for weight loss.
Cons
- Not made for children under two years.
Cascadian Farm Organic Cereal
Oats and barley are perfect. If you love either of the two kinds of cereal, there’s a high chance you will love the mixture. Cascadian farm organic cereal offers 140 calories of “yummy O’s.”
Pros
- No saturated fat.
- Zero cholesterol.
- Pure organic ingredients.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Its sodium content slightly flouts FDA’s rule for Na concentration in meals.
- Not for children.
McCann’s Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal
Looking for a meal that can carry you through the day? McCann’s Irish Steel cuts Oats and solves the hunger puzzle. This product would completely wow you if you are a lover of oats.
Pros
- Produced from 100% whole grains.
- Non-GMO product.
- Premium quality.
- Stems from a product aimed at helping local Irish farmers thrive in the down-spiraling economy.
- Contains low sodium.
- No cholesterol.
Cons
- Takes time to make compared to other cereals recommended in this guide.
Original Cheerios
Too much sugar isn’t great for children. If you’re looking for premium cheerios that aren’t heavy on sugary content and would keep your kids coming for more, try original cheerios.
Pros
- Made of 100% whole grains.
- Contains a moderate 2 grams of sugar.
- It can also be used as a dog treat.
- Gluten-free.
Cons
- Has no FDA approval.
Uncle Sam Toasted Whole Wheat Berry Flakes
Preservatives are not good for our health. While manufacturers have a good reason to preserve their products for a specific timeframe, adding preservatives is a necessary evil that has consequences. So when we see products with no artificial preservatives that maintain excellent quality, we love to place them on our guides. Uncle Sam’s toasted wheat berry flakes are a must-try cereal meal. It is tasty and gluten-free.
Pros
- No artificial preservatives.
- Gluten-free.
- Delicious.
- 100% organic ingredients.
- Additional health benefits from flax seeds.
- Contains fiber.
- Non-GMO.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other cereals reviewed.
Alpen Muesli Cereal
Fans of swiss-style muesli who don’t mind splurging $30 on a cereal meal would love this one. Although expensive, the product is of premium quality. You can take it alone or add fruits. Yogurt or milk also blends with the crunchy flakes.
Pros
- No sugar added.
- Premium quality.
- Tasty.
- Has zero trans fat.
- Contains low sodium.
- Contains fiber.
Cons
- Too expensive.
Food For Life Ezekiel Organic Sprouted Grain Cereal
If you’re vegan, Ezekiel 4:9 is a product you want to include in your food list. The dense and hearty cereal-almond meal is a lifesaver for those who are always in a hurry in the morning. Need more time to make a proper meal? Then, Ezekiel 4:9, cereal flakes are here to save the day. It contains high fiber plus sprouted grains.
Pros
- Recommended for vegans.
- Every ingredient is 100% organic, according to the manufacturer.
- Low on fats.
Cons
- The lack of FDA approval makes this product a low-tier option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a healthy way to start your morning, consider reaching for one of these ten kinds of cereal. They’re all packed with essential nutrients that will help power you through the day. Plus, they’re all surprisingly delicious! So why not give them all a try? Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
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