The Weetabix Food Company is based in the United Kingdom. The company produces a whole-grain cereal called Weetabix that is low in calories and high in fiber. A standard serving of Weetabix is equivalent to two biscuits. In the Weetabix diet plan, you eat a serving of Weetabix with either milk or water for three to four meals. Between meals, you are allowed to snack on fresh fruits and vegetables. The cereal provides you with essential nutrients such as protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. This diet is a high-carbohydrate diet that lacks protein and dietary fat.
Benefits of Whole Grains
According to the Mayo Clinic, choose cereal that lists whole wheat, whole-wheat flour or another whole grain as the first ingredient on the label. Weetabix cereal is primarily made of whole-grain wheat. Whole grains are low in fat but have a high fiber content making you feel more satisfied. According to the Reader's Digest Association, eating whole grains can help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
Function of Fiber
According to the Mayo Clinic, choose a cereal with at least 3 g of fiber per serving. Two biscuits of Weetabix provide you with up to 4 g of fiber with the majority being insoluble. In "The Fiber35 Diet," author Brenda Watson says that when taken with sufficient fluids, a high-fiber diet increases the bulk of your stool which speeds its passage through the bowel. According to Watson, this may help to prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis and bowel cancer. Fiber taken with extra fluids also helps to keep you feeling full.
Function of B Vitamins
Eating three to four meals of Weetabix provides your diet with the B compex family of vitamins. The B vitamins in Weetabix include thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid and B-6. According to the Reader's Digest Association, the B vitamins help to keep your nervous system healthy. In addition, the family of vitamins supports your metabolism and brain function. In "The Food Bible," author Judith Wills says the B complex vitamins support healthy skin, hair and nails
Significance of Iron
Weetabix cereal contains the mineral iron, which plays a role in the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin functions by transporting oxygen throughout your body. According to "The Food Bible," vegetable-based iron foods such as whole grains have a lower absorption rate than animal sources such as beef. A low-protein diet like the Weetabix diet will also reduce the utilization of iron. According to the Mayo Clinic, a lack of iron reduces your resistance to infections and diseases.
Considerations
The Weetabix diet is suitable for special diets such as vegetarian, vegan and kosher. According to the Weetabix Food Company, the product does not contain allergens such as peanuts, lactose, egg, soya, shellfish or sulfites. However, Weetabix does contain cereal gluten which can be problematic for those who struggle with a gluten intolerance called celiac disease. The Weetabix is a high-carbohydrate diet which can cause an increase in blood sugar and insulin levels. Diabetics, hypoglycemics and those who want to control blood sugar levels should not participate in this diet.
References
- "Foods That Harm Foods That Heal"; The Reader's Digest Association; 1997"
- "Guide to Alternative Medicine"; The Mayo Clinic; 2011
- "The Fiber35 Diet"; Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith; 2008
- "The Food Bible"; Judith Wills; 1998
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