Cheerios are one of the most popular cereal brands in the business, but do they also really lower cholesterol in humans by 4% like they advertise? But first, what is cholesterol you might ask? Cholesterol is a compound of the sterol type found in most body tissues, including the blood and the nerves. Having high cholesterol is bad because it can increase the chances of heart attacks and strokes. I hope I never have high cholesterol… better start eating some cheerios. However, cholesterol is also an important necessity of cell membranes, but high quantities in the blood may cause atherosclerosis which is plaque build up in the arteries.
Our bodies need some cholesterol to function, and our liver makes it naturally. However, too much LDL-cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol,” can lead to buildup in the arteries, which can result in heart disease. LDL-cholesterol levels are affected by from the saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol that may be in a regular diet. The soluble fiber in whole grain oats forms a gel that combines some of the cholesterol in your digestive tract. When
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General Mills, the owner of Cheerios funded lots of research, and most recently has written a study showing that if women were to eat two bowls a day, then they could reduce their cholesterol by 4%. Also a press release saying that Cheerios could save 24,000 lives per year was printed, "if everybody in America ate Cheerios as recommended."[2] In the release, General Mills spokesperson Tom Forsythe said “the cholesterol-lowering claim has been on the Cheerios box for more than two years and that the health claim was approved by the FDA 12 years ago.” [1] On April 20, General Mills announced results of a study that showed eating two daily servings of Cheerios (1 1/2 cups each) can reduce cholesterol 10% in just a
Cheerios are a standard part of American life. Made by General Mills, the consumers of Cheerios span across the United States, making this bland, or honey flavored treat many Americans’ first solid food, warming the hearts of families everywhere (Cheerios Inc., 2013). The Cheerios brand is incredibly popular due to its variety of flavors and loyalty to being American made. Cheerios has also gained many followers by going GMO (Genetically Modified Organism), and Gluten-free, thus collecting many GMO crazed citizens, along with Gluten-free dieters, and allergy ridden civilians, but changing a recipe isn’t a surefire way to stick around
The package nutritional information explains the three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods like this cereal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease (Cheerios). I would also include the certification of the American Heart Association on the cereal as heart-healthy for meeting the requirements for the cholesterol and saturated fat. The only drawback is the high content of sugar: the serving of Honey Nut Cheerios is only 7.92 grams per quarter cup and the American Heart Association recommends that women consume no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day and 38 grams for men (Beville).
However, exposing the body to high levels of cholesterol results in hypertensions and other cardiovascular disorders. High levels of cholesterol can even lead to atherosclerosis, a disposition of fatty substances, and fibrosis of the inner arteries.
Hypercholesterolemia is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance and is a major class of lipid, so it gets into the blood by lipoproteins [1]. A high level of lipoproteins is unhealthy. A high level can result in an elevated risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease [2]. The high levels of lipoproteins are often influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as obesity or dieting habits [2]. High cholesterol can be caused by mutations in the following genes: APOB, LDLR, LDLRAP1, and PCSK9 [3]. Mutations in the LDLR gene are responsible for causing familial hypercholesterolemia, which is the most commonly seen form of inherited high cholesterol [3]. The LDLR gene contains instructions for making LDL receptors or low-density lipoprotein receptors. LDL receptors play critical roles in regulating levels of cholesterol in the blood by removing low-density lipoproteins from the bloodstream. Mutations in the LDLR gene can make the amount of LDL receptors produced less than normal or affect their job of removing the low-density lipoproteins in the blood [4]. People who have these mutations will have higher levels of cholesterol. There are many ways that the environment can affect the levels of cholesterol in the blood. Reducing the amount of dietary fat you consume lowers the total amount of cholesterol in the blood [5]. Sucrose and fructose can raise the amount of LDL in the blood. Reducing fatty foods will however lower the amount of LDL [5]. Having a healthy body and maintaining physical exercise plays a key role in keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level. If you are overweight or obese you can lower your cholesterol levels by simply losing ...
This label makes Cheerios seem like a “healthy conscience choice” when in fact they are not healthy at all. The truth is that this breakfast cereal is highly processed and is best avoided despite the “healthy halo” of being approved by the National Heart Association and GMO free. The truth appears on the nutrition label and the ingredients (Wartman). “If you can’t pronounce it, don’t buy it” The voluntary labeling places a burden on the consumer. The average American is forced to navigate a confusing and cluttered food landscape” (Wartman).
Michael Pollan makes arguments concerning the eating habits of the average American. Pollan suggests, in spite of our cultural norms, we should simply “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.”
Cheerios currently targeting: An older age group, with the message of lowering cholesterol. Another problem is makes parents purchase the cereal as a healthy choice for their children. When it comes to college students that not fully aware of health benefits don’t by Cheerios
Saturated fat and cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease. Fiber and a reduced risk of cancer. Fruit, vegetables and grain products that contain fiber and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Nutritionism and Today’s Diet Nutritionism is the ideology that the nutritional value of a food is the sum of all its individual nutrients, vitamins, and other components. In the book, “In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan, he critiques scientists and government recommendations about their nutritional advice. Pollan presents a strong case pointing out the many flaws and problems that have risen over the years of following scientific studies and government related warnings on the proper amount of nutrients needed for a healthy diet. Pollan’s main point is introducing science into our food system has had more of a negative impact than a positive one, we should go back to eating more of a traditional diet. I believe food science has given us
My DRI of cholesterol was maxed at 300mg and my intake was 267mg. Still relatively high so could start consuming Oatmeal for breakfast in which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol. Also, I...
It's common knowledge for dieters and non-dieters alike that fiber and whole grains are a healthy part of an everyday diet. But many whole grains look unappealing to the average consumer. It's a good thing, though, that a lot of food companies are thinking of ways to make whole grains more exciting. Did you realize that some of your favorite breakfast cereals that look otherwise laden with sugar now come in 100% whole grain varieties? Even one of our classic favorites - Chips Ahoy! - is now considered a whole grain food.
High cholesterol is the best known of all the many threats to a healthy heart. When excess amounts fatty like plaque substance build up along the walls of the arteries, you face a significantly higher risk of a complete blockage, leading to a heart attack or stroke. At normal levels, cholesterol is not a bad thing. On the other hand, its an essential material used by the body to make cell walls and produce hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. The body produces its own supply of cholesterol in the liver, it’s also found in various animal products such as meats, eggs, and, milk. Cholesterol only becomes a threat when the body can’t use or get rid of excessive amounts of it.
Breakfast is the first meal of the day and has always been said to be the most important. This meal is proven to promote better attitudes towards the day and gives people more energy for the day. Eating breakfast is supposed to prepare you for the day and promote better choices when it comes to choosing what to eat for the rest of the day. For some people eating breakfast isn’t a choice when it comes to weak stomachs not being able to handle the earliness of the meal, but what are the true benefits of eating breakfast? Studies show that breakfast is healthy for you, but making the healthy choices that make breakfast is what really proves its importance. Students are definitely affected if they don’t eat breakfast. Breakfast is a great way
Whole-grain wheat studies have increased over the years following the influx of cases of gluten intolerance and metabolic syndrome. Studies show that by eating whole-grain products can attribute to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. In comparison to eating white bread, wheat bread reduces total serum cholesterol level, LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, body fat, and abdominal obesity (Mohammad, 2013). It also improved overall levels of vitamin B, calcium, and magnesium that the body needs to
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It usually gives your body the essential nutrients it needs. It provides you with the energy you need to face the day. This is the reason why you should not skip breakfast. Breakfast does not only boost your body’s metabolism but can also jump-start your brain. When you take breakfast, you normally give your muscles glycogen. This means that you will have more energy and you won’t feel like a slug. This can make you to become more active and this will make you burn several calories. This can also help in weight loss and so on.