If you like to start your day off with a healthy breakfast, it’s hard to beat a bowl of bran buds or flakes topped off with some seasonal fruit, a splash of milk or a serving of yoghurt. However, the other choices of breakfast cereal available to us are truly breathtaking and tempting. But are the majority of them as healthy?
We’ve all pondered the supermarket shelves crammed with creatively packaged delights – typically aimed at kids – most of which are loaded with sugar, unhealthy carbs and a host of other additives of dubious nutritional value. We’ve also succumbed to their temptation once in a while. But in the end, bran wins hands down in our estimation. Here’s why.
Bran Defined
As defined by the online platform fitday.com: “Bran is the outer layer of cereal grains. This layer is not processed and is a by-product of the grains. In the past, this by-product was discarded. It wasn’t until the last 40 years that it was discovered to have beneficial qualities.”
Bran’s Benefits & Nutrients
High in fibre, bran enjoys the enviable reputation for being effective in the prevention of colon disorders. In a nutshell, it keeps us regular and our internal plumbing healthy.
The protein content of bran strengthens muscles and, especially, helps them heal after a session at the gym or other physical work out.
The nutrients found in bran are outstanding: calcium, folic acid, iron, magnesium, niacin (Vitamin B3), pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), phosphorus, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), thiamine, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc. Wow!
According to the folks at fitday.com “Many of the [bran] brands have 100% of the daily recommended vitamins and minerals needed.”
Consumer Reports on High Fibre Cereal
Consumer Reports, one of the most credible guides to product reliability, published a comprehensive analysis of breakfast cereals a few years ago, commenting:
“Despite the benefits of fibre – it can help control appetite and weight and might help lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes – the Department of Agriculture says American adults consume an average of just 15 grams a day. That’s far below the 25 grams recommended for women and 38 for men.”
The ratings guide supporting the Consumer Reports analysis is particularly comprehensive, so if you’re looking for a completely reliable run-down on breakfast cereal options (Kellogg’s All-Bran Original, which we eat, scores “Very Good”) check out the link above.
Good for Snacking & Great for Health
Its low fat and calorie content along with mega-vitamin levels makes bran a super snacking choice, and the vitamins in bran keep you energised. We all know that a robust metabolism is important in helping us maintain a healthy weight.
Bran provides many of the essential vitamins for a fast metabolism. Vitamins B2, B3, B5 and B6 all contribute to a healthier metabolic rate.
Quite frankly, it’s hard to beat a bran-based cereal as a way to start your day – or likewise, the day of your kids and grandkids. Many well-known breakfast brands are replacing the traditional cereals with high-fibre bran choices – a healthy choice for you and your family.
