nutritional value of cereals

Question
Hello Kimberly,

I enjoy hot, cooked cereals (oats, wheat,etc.) for breakfast, but the packaging indicates  little nutitional value. (Quaker oats is an example.) Typically, they have small amounts of iron and calcium. There is a fair amount of fiber. Wherever possible, I look for whole grain.

So is the only value in these cereals their fiber content? I thought cerals are supposed to have lots of B-complex, magnesium, etc.

Is there an explanation for this apparent deficiency?

Thanks.


Robert Miller


Answer
These cereals DO provide a lot of nutritional value!  Depending on what type of product you choose, some have more iron than others.  Typically whole grains is not a source of calcium.  But they do offer soluble fiber, which is very important to heart health.  In addition they are an excellent source of many of the B vitamins as well as other vitamins and minerals.  
Take a look at the Quaker Oats web site to get more information on these types of cereals.
http://www.quakeroatmeal.com/healthpros/PRO/PR_Index.cfm
http://www.quakeroatmeal.com/
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net  

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