Without doubt, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it’s also the most neglected meal. Nearly half of young adults regularly skip breakfast and over 10% report rarely or never eating it. This is surprising to most nutritionists who believe that the power of breakfast is too good to skip out on.

With focus these days on functional foods, breakfast cereals are one group that has its fair share of super ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits in your bowl: Beta-glucan – is a type of soluble fibre found naturally in oats that helps lower cholesterol re-absorption and protects your heart health.

Calcium – is an essential mineral for building strong bones in childhood and protecting this strength as you age. Eating a cereal fortified with calcium, plus milk at breakfast is a great way to maximise your intake of this nutrient, and along with weight bearing exercise, prevent osteoporosis.

Soy phytoestrogens – are naturally found in soy beans and there is increasing evidence that they help maintain the heart and bones. They may also be beneficial for women during menopause to help complement natural hormone levels.

Zinc and vitamin B6 – are two main players in keeping your immune system in tip top shape. Zinc is also vital for growing kids and one mineral that they may fall short on.

Hi-Maize Resistant Starch – is a unique dietary fibre that is particularly important for bowel health as it encourages the growth of good bacteria. Research shows that Australians currently consume around 5g per day of resistant starch, however 20g per day is recommended.

Folate – is a B vitamin that is particularly important for women of childbearing age as it is vital for a healthy pregnancy. Adequate dietary folate can help prevent neural tube defects, like spina bifida, in babies. Folate is also heart friendly as it has been shown to lower plasma homocysteine levels, a marker for heart disease.

Antioxidants – vitamins C and E, along with plant extracts known as phytochemicals all protect your body cells from the damage of free radicals. By minimising this oxidative damage you are decreasing the risk of lifestyle disease like cancer and heart disease.
Nutrition to the max

The right choices at breakfast can maximise your nutrition status. Research has shown that people who eat breakfast are more likely to eat more dietary fibre and less fat; achieve the recommended dietary intake of essential vitamins and minerals and have overall better eating habits than people who skip.
What’s hot for a nutritious breakfast?

    * Bircher muesli with oats.
    * Buttermilk pancakes with cinnamon apples and yoghourt
    * Mixed berry smoothies
    * Layers of fruit puree, natural yoghourt, drizzled honey and toasted pistachios
    * Poached eggs, spinach, grilled tomato or sautéed mushrooms on chunky sourdough toast
    * Baked beans with shaved parmesan on an English style grain muffin

What’s not so hot?

    * Choc chip and other high fat muffins that are virtually like cake
    * Daily drive throughs for deep fried hash browns and sausage
    * Caffeine fixes without food
    * Croissants and Danish pastries that are high in fat and fibre free
    * Fasting!