Introduction
Total cereal is a popular breakfast cereal made by General Mills. It has been around since 1961 and is one of the most recognizable brands of cereal. Total cereal claims to be a “nutritious” cereal that provides essential vitamins and minerals. But is it really healthy? This article will explore the nutrition label, ingredients, and health claims of Total cereal to answer this question.
Comparing the Nutrition Label of Total Cereal to Other Popular Cereals
The first step in assessing the healthfulness of Total cereal is to compare its nutrition label to other popular cereals. The nutrition facts for Total Original are as follows: per 1 cup (30 g) serving, Total Original contains 130 calories, 0.5 g fat, 24 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 3 g sugar, and 3 g protein.
When compared to other popular cereals, Total Original is relatively low in calories, fat, and sugar. For example, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes contains 110 calories, 0 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 10 g sugar, and 2 g protein per 1 cup (30 g) serving. Similarly, Honey Nut Cheerios contain 110 calories, 1.5 g fat, 22 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 10 g sugar, and 3 g protein per 1 cup (30 g) serving. Compared to these two cereals, Total Original is higher in carbohydrates, lower in fat and sugar, and has the same amount of protein.
In terms of vitamins and minerals, Total Original also fares well. It contains 20% of the daily recommended value (DV) of calcium, 25% of the DV of iron, 15% of the DV of thiamin, 10% of the DV of riboflavin, and 10% of the DV of niacin. Additionally, it contains 5% of the DV of vitamin B6, 4% of the DV of folic acid, and 6% of the DV of zinc. Finally, Total Original contains 2 g of dietary fiber per serving, which is 8% of the DV.
Investigating Health Benefits of Eating Total Cereal
Eating Total cereal may provide some health benefits. First, because Total Original is made from whole grain wheat, it may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, “Eating whole grains instead of refined grains can help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.”
Additionally, eating Total cereal may help to lower cholesterol levels. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that “consuming whole-grain foods, such as Total cereal, was associated with lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.”
Examining the Ingredients in Total Cereal
In addition to examining the nutrition label of Total cereal, it is important to consider the ingredients used to make it. Total Original is made from whole grain wheat, sugar, oat flour, corn syrup, salt, malt flavoring, and BHT for freshness.
Most of these ingredients are natural and generally considered safe; however, there are some potential allergens to consider. Total Original contains wheat, which is a common allergen. Additionally, it contains BHT, which is an artificial preservative that has been linked to cancer in animal studies.
Exploring the Pros and Cons of Eating Total Cereal
When considering whether or not to eat Total cereal, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. On the plus side, Total Original is made from whole grains and may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, it is lower in fat and sugar than many other popular cereals and is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
On the downside, Total Original contains some potentially harmful ingredients, such as BHT and wheat. Additionally, it contains added sugar, which may be concerning for people who are trying to limit their sugar intake.
Analyzing the Nutritional Content of Total Cereal
When looking at the nutritional content of Total cereal, it is important to consider both macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
Total Original is primarily composed of carbohydrates (24 g per serving), with small amounts of fat (0.5 g) and protein (3 g). Additionally, it is fortified with several vitamins and minerals, including calcium (20% of the DV), iron (25%), thiamin (15%), riboflavin (10%), niacin (10%), vitamin B6 (5%), folic acid (4%), and zinc (6%).
Assessing the Health Claims of Total Cereal
Total cereal makes a number of health claims, including that it can help with weight loss and provide essential nutrients. While there is some evidence to support these claims, it is important to take them with a grain of salt.
For example, while there is some evidence that eating whole grains can help with weight loss, it is important to remember that Total cereal also contains added sugar. Additionally, while the cereal is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, it is important to remember that these vitamins and minerals are added, and are not naturally occurring in the cereal.
Conclusion
Overall, Total cereal is a relatively nutritious cereal that may provide some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases and lowering cholesterol levels. However, it is important to remember that it also contains some potentially harmful ingredients, such as BHT and wheat, and added sugar. Therefore, it is important to consider all of the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to include Total cereal in your diet.
In conclusion, Total cereal is a relatively nutritious cereal that may provide some health benefits. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to include it in your diet. If you decide to eat Total cereal, it is important to do so in moderation and to balance it with other nutrient-dense foods.
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