Info about Cereal

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Cereals and vitamins

Cereals are obtained from corn, rice, wheat, oats or barley. They have long become a food staple of the families of Western and Northern European countries because they are an ideal food for any family member and recommended by doctors and nutritionists for any age.


Grains are a source of energy and vitality, because vitamins and minerals they contain. Vitamins are a group of organic compounds which are strictly necessary in the human body. Therefore, vitamins should be taken through nutrition.


There is no structural materials and energy, but perform important biochemical functions. In terms of solubility, vitamins are classified as: water soluble vitamins (with polar molecules, water soluble) and fatsoluble vitamins (with apolar molecules, soluble in fat).


• Soluble vitamins


B vitamins except vitamin B12, all others can be provided by whole grains, nuts, seeds, green vegetables. In contrast, consumption of milk and eggs provide daily requirement of vitamin B12;


Vitamin C is obtained by eating fresh fruits, potatoes and green leafy vegetables. Aids iron absorption in the body.


Vitamin A (retinol) derived from vegetables, yellow, orange, carrots and tomatoes, green leafy vegetables and fruit (apricots, peaches);


Vitamin D is produced by the body through exposure to light and sun. Food sources of vitamin D are: margarine, milk, cheese, butter. Aids absorption of calcium in the body;


Vitamin E is found in whole grains, vegetable oil and eggs;


Vitamin K is present in vegetables and cereals.


So, cereals and cereal derivatives are an important source of vitamins, especially for those of B group : thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine and folic acid (except vitamin B12).


Cereals, are lacking of vitamin C, retinol and vitamin D. Vitamin E is found in cereal seeds, but it becomes poor and when the derivatives obtained are overly refined.


Compared with adults, children need a greater amount of vitamins, because their body is in the process of growth and development. Therefore, for them, whole grains eaten at breakfast is the ideal option.