Cereals May Lower Cholesterol and Promote Weight Loss

According to studies, fibers play several important roles in our body, one of which being their capability to trap fat molecules found in our food. This action has the benefit of preventing our digestive system from absorbing fats. Over a long term, the habit of including fibers in our diet would serve us well in terms of cholesterol and weight control.

Unknowing to many, eating cereal is a quick way of boosting one's fiber intake. Cereal is convenient, easy to prepare and possibly a rich source of vitamins and minerals in addition to adding fibers to your diet. Cereals may be prepared hot or cold during breakfast, although you could also have it for lunch, dinner or supper if you need a quick nutritious meal to fill your stomach. For maximum benefit, instant cereals are preferably taken with cold milk because some of the vitamins (like Vit. B) can be lost due to heat.

Here are some quick tips for boosting the fibers in your cereal:

1) Choose oatmeal and oatbran that have 3–4 grams of fiber per serving. Avoid sugar-coated cereals. Baby oat is fantastic.

2) Add some fruits - apple, apricot, banana, berries, peach - for taste and for extra fiber - cut up in small pieces, slices, or cubes.

3) For additional fiber and proteins, sprinkle some nuts - almond, cashew, pecan, peanut are perfect.

4) For a natural and sweeter taste, add some sun-dried raisins and figs, which are rich in fiber also.

You can be as creative as you like when preparing cereal. Do not be afraid of mixing different types of nuts and fruits, or use different flavors of milk (plain, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, malt). In fact, a delicious cereal meal can be prepared in less than a minute. All you need is to have the ingredients ready on hand and mix. Simply stock up a variety nut pack and pre-cut the fruits (store fruits in air-tight jar in the refrigerator).

Remember, if you are hungry before bed, you are only a minute away from a delicious bowl of cereal.

(Courtesy of Cholesterol Diet Secrets)