Are cornflakes good for daily breakfast? Find out what a nutritionist says

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often takes precedence over nutrition, especially when it comes to breakfast. Many people reach for quick-fix, ready-to-eat options like cornflakes to kickstart their day. But are cornflakes a truly healthy choice for a daily breakfast? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and potential drawbacks of this popular morning meal option.

Cornflakes Offer Convenience and Variety

One of the reasons why cornflakes have gained popularity over time is their availability in various flavors such as strawberry, mixed fruit, almond, and even organic honey. These different variants have made cornflakes even more appealing to consumers. Additionally, cornflakes are relatively low in fat, which adds to their success. However, it’s important to note that they also contain sugar and added salt (sodium).

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To shed light on the health benefits and concerns surrounding cornflakes, Health Shots consulted nutritionist Kavita Devgan, based in Delhi. According to Devgan, cornflakes lack essential nutrients and fiber, which often leads to poor satiety. This means that people who consume cornflakes for breakfast may feel hungry sooner. Devgan also cautioned that regular consumption of cornflakes may have negative effects on heart health and overall well-being.

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The British Heart Foundation recommends avoiding cornflakes as a standalone breakfast option. Instead, they suggest adding fruits to make the first meal of the day more satisfying and nutritious.

Facts You Should Know About Cornflakes

To further understand the potential drawbacks of cornflakes, here are some key points highlighted by nutrition experts:

1. Cornflakes are Refined Foods

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, heavily processed foods like cornflakes can pose health risks, including an increased risk of cancer. These foods often contain unhealthy levels of added fat, sugar, and sodium, which enhance taste but may lead to serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

2. Cornflakes Contain Additives

Food additives are commonly used to improve the taste, color, and smell of processed foods. However, these additives can alter the nutritional composition of the food, as highlighted by MDPI.

3. Cornflakes Have a High Sugar Content

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Professor Frank Hu, an esteemed nutrition expert at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, acknowledges the detrimental effects of excessive sugar intake, including higher blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. These health problems are all linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Moreover, cornflakes have a high glycemic index, making them unsuitable for individuals managing diabetes.

4. Cornflakes Contribute to High-Calorie Intake

According to the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, consuming high-calorie foods can lead to weight gain, which can negatively impact overall health.

5. Cornflakes Typically Contain High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

Studies, such as one published in Plos One, suggest that increased consumption of fructose, often found in foods containing high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), can disrupt metabolic processes.

With the potential side effects of cornflakes in mind, it’s best to reserve them for situations when healthier breakfast options are limited. Moreover, when choosing to eat cornflakes, it’s important to exercise portion control. Remember, moderation is key, and this principle applies to cornflakes as well.

Sources: https://ncvc.org
Category: Health