Cheerios, the popular fortified ready-to-eat cereal, contains many of the nutrients needed by our bodies for good health. Along with being a source of whole grain oats, Cheerios contain less sugar and more fiber than most cereals. It is even a common finger food for children older than 9 months because of its ease to grasp and nutritional value.
Ingredients
The ingredient list of Cheerios is shorter than most cereals. In order of most prevalent, Cheerios contain: whole grain oats, modified corn starch, sugar, salt, tripotassium phosphate, and wheat starch. Vitamin E is another added ingredient that is intended to maintain product freshness.
Nutrition in Bowl of Cheerios
A 1-cup serving of Cheerios, without milk, contains 100 calories, 2 g fat, 0 g cholesterol, 160 mg sodium, 170 mg potassium, 20 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 1 g sugar and 3 g protein. Cheerios is very nutritionally dense because for the amount of calories, it contains 11 percent of daily fiber and only 7 percent each of daily sodium and carbohydrates. For children under 4, the serving size is 3/4 cup, but the nutrition remains similar.
Vitamins and Minerals
Each 1-cup serving of Cheerios, without milk, contains 10 percent of daily recommended values of vitamins A, C and D, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. One cup provides 25 percent of daily recommended values of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and zinc. Just 1 cup of Cheerios contains 45 percent of the iron needed daily, as well as 50 percent of needed folic acid. Folic acid is essential for pregnant women and those of child-bearing age. Eat a piece of fruit or drink juice to fully benefit from the iron in Cheerios.
Importance of Eating Whole Grains
Eating whole grain oats, like the ones in Cheerios, is important in regulating digestion and promoting heart health. Whole grains are considered a complex carbohydrate because they take longer to break down in the GI tract. This creates a longer feeling of fullness and prevents the "crash" that can result from eating a meal of only simple sugars. When eaten regularly, whole grains can also lower cholesterol levels and promote a healthier body weight.
Member Comments