Find out the super benefits of Muesli

Breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day and if you are searching for the perfect breakfast then look no further than a hearty bowl of real Swiss muesli. But why?.. you ask... well because it:

1. Boosts concentration and energy levels
Eating high fiber foods like oats, yogurt, fresh fruits and nuts are low calorie compared to snack foods like breakfast cereals and snack bars. They provide needed nutrients in your diet, which helps you feel less hungry for longer and provides you with more energy.

2. Improves your overall nutrition
Eating muesli will enhance your overall nutrition, and also help to regulate cholesterol. Breakfast is essential to body metabolism and can prevent the risk of heart disease such as arteriosclerosis.

3. Breakfast eaters are known to exercise more
The other benefit of eating breakfast is being able to consume more food. People who normally skip breakfast consume more snacks throughout the day, and have a heavy dinner. For that reason, it is advisable to eat a balanced breakfast that incorporate fiber, fruit and protein. Recent studies indicate that people who eat breakfast exercise more since they have adequate energy to do so.

4. Rejuvenates the body
The high calorie intake during breakfast allows your body to function better, meaning it helps you become less hungry during the day. The body burns more calories in the morning and the metabolism reduces near nighttime.

5. Loosing weight
For people are keen to shed few pounds, eating a healthy breakfast like muesli l is the best solution. A good balanced breakfast will improve your metabolism, which significantly burns more calories.

The greatest disadvantage of not having breakfast is that it lowers your blood sugar, which increases your cravings for food during the day. As a result, this tends to hinder weight loss and might even lead to weight gain.

Why are oats so good for you?

Oats can help reduce cholesterol, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and can have a positive impact on blood pressure. That was the message from Dr Derek Stewart of SCRI as he helped launch the ‘All About Oats’ campaign to promote the health benefits of eating oats.

Dr Stewart, head of the Quality, Health and Nutrition programme at SCRI – Scotland’s leading crop research institute – recently completed a review which found significant scientific evidence to support the health benefits of eating oats.

Some of the key health benefits of oats identified by the review include:

• can help reduce cholesterol
• can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
• can influence blood pressure
• oats are low GI foods providing a steady release of energy
• oats provide soluble and insoluble fibre that can support probiotic bacteria and influence gastrointestinal health
• oats can enhance the human immune system though the action of β-glucans (the active ingredients in oats).

Although sales of oat products, such as porridge and oatcakes, increased by seven per cent from June 2006 – 2007 compared to the previous year a recent survey showed 35 per cent of those questioned didn’t know what nutrients were found in a bowl of porridge.

The ‘All About Oats’ campaign aims to change that by highlighting oats as a good source of B vitamins, iron, potassium and various antioxidants and phytochemicals including β-glucans. It includes an ‘All About Oats’ website containing health facts, recipes and useful information on oats.

The campaign has been set up by the Scottish Oats Group in collaboration with Home-Grown Cereals Authority and Scotland Food and Drink. SCRI is a member of the Scottish Oats Group.