Breakfast Cereal – The Biggest Con
In our fast-paced lives, many of us turn to breakfast cereal as a quick and convenient option. We often trust that these cereals are nutritious and healthy, as they claim to be, but the reality may be quite different.
Many cereals, even those marketed as healthy, have a high sugar content. Some cereals can be made up of more than 50% sugar by weight. Consuming such large amounts of sugar in the morning can cause blood sugar spikes, leading to energy crashes and difficulties with concentration throughout the day. This is not the ideal start to the most important meal of the day.
The Violent Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process used for boxed cereals, known as extrusion, is an aggressive and violent process that significantly impacts the nutritional value of the final product.
Here are some key points to understand about the extrusion process:
- The grains are exposed to extreme temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which destroys essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- The grains are subjected to intense pressure and shear forces as they pass through the extruder, which breaks down their structure and alters their nutritional composition.
- The extrusion process also destroys natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria in the grains, which are important for digestion, blood sugar regulation, and protection against chronic diseases.
In summary, the extrusion process compromises the nutritional integrity of the grains. It destroys essential nutrients and enzymes while also facilitating the formation of potentially harmful compounds. This highlights the importance of seeking healthier breakfast alternatives that preserve the natural goodness of grains.
Toxic Ingredients & Additives
Breakfast cereals, especially those marketed to children, are notorious for their excessive sugar content. Non-organic cereals often contain high fructose corn syrup, which is frequently derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These GMO crops are often exposed to glyphosate, a toxic herbicide associated with cancer.
Additionally, many cereals contain harmful additives and preservatives. Petroleum-based food dyes, such as Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6, and caramel color, have been linked to hyperactivity, behavioral issues in children, allergic skin reactions, and even cancerous tumors in animal studies. Partially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats, can lead to various health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and compromised immunity. Preservatives like BHT and BHA have also been associated with cancer and other health concerns.
Top Breakfast Cereal Brands to Avoid
Based on the FDA’s new definition of ‘healthy,’ here are some surprising cereals that do not qualify as healthy options:
- Raisin Bran (9g of added sugars)
- Honey Nut Cheerios (12g of added sugars)
- Corn Flakes (300mg of sodium; 4g of added sugars)
- Honey Bunches of Oats, Honey Roasted (8g of added sugars)
- Frosted Mini Wheats (12g of added sugars)
- Life (8g of added sugars)
- Special K (270mg of sodium; 4g of added sugars)
Other cereals to avoid include:
- Honey Smacks, which is 55% sugar by weight and contains trans fats.
- Trix, which has 10 grams of sugar per serving and high-fructose corn syrup.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch, which has 9 grams of sugar and 3 grams of fat per ¾ cup serving.
- Oreo O’s, which has 13 grams of sugar per serving.
- Cocoa Krispies, which has 12 grams of sugar per ¾ cup serving and limited nutritional value.
- Fruit Loops, which is 44% sugar by weight and contains partially hydrogenated oils.
Opting for Organic Breakfast Cereal Alternatives
To avoid the health concerns associated with conventional cereals, it is advisable to choose organic options. Organic cereals are typically made with wholesome ingredients, free from toxic additives, GMOs, and harmful pesticides.
There are also alternatives to store-bought cereals. Making your own healthy breakfast options can ensure that you have control over the ingredients and nutritional value of your morning meal.
In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the misleading claims and marketing tactics used by the breakfast cereal industry. By understanding the manufacturing process and scrutinizing the ingredients of these cereals, we can make informed choices for a healthier breakfast.
