Cholesterol is a natural fat-like substance required by the human body. Too much cholesterol in the blood, however, can build up in the arteries increasing your risk for heart disease. Cheerios is promoted by General Mills as a cereal that can help lower cholesterol because of the soluble fiber found in the cereal from oats.
Benefit of Oats
Oatmeal and oat bran contain soluble fiber, which, according to the American Heart Association, has been shown to lower blood cholesterol when part of a diet low in saturated and trans fat. The oatmeal binds some of the cholesterol from food, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Cheerios claims to reduce cholesterol because the primary ingredient in the cereal is oats.
Soluble Fiber Requirements
The Mayo Clinic recommends consuming at least between 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber daily to help reduce total cholesterol, as well as low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, the "bad" cholesterol. Other sources of soluble fiber include beans, peas, citrus fruits, berries and apples.
Soluble Fiber in Cheerios
While a cup of Cheerios does contain 3 g dietary fiber, only 1 g of this is the soluble fiber that helps decrease blood cholesterol. In comparison, a 1 1/2 cup serving of oatmeal provides 6 g of soluble fiber.
Considerations
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the FDA, charged with watching for misleading health claims made with regards to foods, demanded in 2009 that General Mills stop using misleading health claims that consuming Cheerios for 6 weeks can lower cholesterol levels by 4 percent and help prevent heart disease. However, Cheerios can carry the general statement allowed by the FDA that "eating diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber-containing fruit, vegetable and grain products may reduce the risk of heart disease."
