Muesli As Your Breakfast Choice ?

For some, having a healthy breakfast in the morning is a daunting task. A lot of us are time constrained most of the time, so the ideal thing (we think) is to skip a meal and go straight to the lunch. Obviously, this does save some time but has damaging effects on your health in the long run. For such people the ideal breakfast is Muesli and NO, it is not just another type of cornflakes. It is so much more!

Some people might have a doubt that : There are so many options when choosing a breakfast cereal. One tasty option is muesli. Is it healthy?

The world of breakfast cereals can be a confusing one – particularly if your goal is to eat well from a nutritional standpoint. Even the so-called “healthy” breakfast cereals contain large amounts of sugar. One type of breakfast cereal that some find satisfying is muesli. This old-fashioned cereal was developed around the turn of the century and is a popular dish in Switzerland. It’s rapidly gaining in popularity here since it requires little preparation and makes a tasty and satisfying breakfast cereal; but what about its health benefits? Is muesli healthy?

Muesli ? Perhaps, you've heard before, however, not know much of it. Let's have a trip on What's Muesli !   =)

Muesli ~

Muesli is a famous healthy breakfast cereals that is made with uncooked rolled oats, nuts and fruits. The cereals was developed in the 1900’s and it was made by a physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner who was swedish and he used it on his patients at his very own hospital muesli is available and both packaged and fresh.

>>> Muesli the healthest breakfast cereal because it contains all the need of a good diet such as fruits, fibre, protein and calcium therefore it gives you the full benefit of a breakfast, eating muesli in your breakfast equals in eating 2 fruits and all the needed protein and fibre for the rest of the day.

Muesli started to become popular in 1960 as it has been a good source of healthy food for vegeterian diets muesli is also quite tasty and easy to eat, not much preparing. All you need is milk, fruits, coffee and add on muesli as you wish and that’s it you will have a good and a healthy breakfast rich of fruits, protein calcium and fibre.

(http://www.myguidetonutrition.com/breakfast/health-benefits-of-muesli/)

Muesli is a popular breakfast meal based on uncooked rolled oats, fruit and nuts. It was developed around 1900 by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner for patients in his hospital. It is available in a packaged dry form, or it can be made fresh.

In Switzerland and southern Germany, it is also eaten as a light evening dish; Birchermüesli complet is muesli with butterbrot and coffee with milk.

(wikipedia)

Benefits of Muesli ~

1. Muesli is an excessively rich source of insoluble and soluble fiber which is helpful in reducing the cholesterol.
2. The sudden fluctuations in the sugar levels can be stabilized with the soluble fiber present in muesli.
3. The oats and nuts present in muesli constitute of a phytochemical known as lignans. This phytochemical agent helps in reducing the chances of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer.
4. Having muesli everyday successfully reduces hypertension and helps a person reduce the dosage of antidepressant medication. In the long run muesli may be helpful in getting you off antidepressants completely.
5. Muesli helps in reducing and stabilizing high blood pressure.
6. Muesli assists in curing bacterial infection at a much faster speed.
7. Muesli assists in maintaining the correct Body Mass Index if you have it in breakfast every day. 8. Muesli is an extremely rich source of minerals which increases the metabolism of a person.
9. Muesli is a rich source of proteins which helps in strengthening the bone and improving the health of the hair.
10. The presence of insoluble fiber reduces the chances of cancer of gastro intestinal tract by reducing carcinogens in it.
11. Muesli helps in preventing the accumulation of plaque.
12. Muesli helps in detoxification of the body.
13. Muesli helps in increasing the libido of a person.
14. Muesli is a very good source of calcium.
15. Muesli mixed with cinnamon helps in curing cold and cough and other related mild discomforts.
16. Having muesli with fresh fruits helps in making the skin healthier and increasing the glow of the skin.
17. The carbohydrates present in muesli provide energy for a longer period of time.
18. The presence of beta glucan in muesli helps in healing wounds at a much faster rate.
19. Muesli is helpful in reducing the chances of diseases of the old age like arthritis or rheumatism.
20. Muesli being a good source of omega 3 fatty acids aids in the development of nervous system.
21. Fresh muesli is enriched with extra nutrients because of the fruits mixed in it, hence, it helps in strengthening the immune system and fighting seasonal ailments.
22. The presence of folic acid in muesli vitalizes the red blood cells.
23. The fiber in muesli absorbs water and increases in size, thus, leaving very little or no space at all for more food in the stomach. After eating muesli you will not feel hungry for a longer time and will help you reduce weight.
24. The manganese present in muesli along with low saturated fats makes your heart healthier and protects against heart ailments.

(http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/health-benefits-muesli/)

Health Benefits of Muesli

It is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber which help to ease bowel movement and reduce cholesterol.

• The soluble fiber in muesli stabilizes sugar levels and prevents sudden fluctuations.
• Muesli contains a phytochemical called lignans, which reduces the risk of contracting prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
• Regular muesli consumption reduces high blood pressure and acts as an antidepressant to gradually treat depression.
• It cures bacterial infection quickly.
• Eat muesli regularly as a healthy breakfast meal to maintain ideal body weight.
• The minerals in muesli help to increase body metabolism.
• Muesli is rich in proteins which help to strengthen bones and improve hair health.
• The insoluble fiber contained in it reduces the risk of gastrointestinal cancer by eliminating carcinogens.
• Muesli prevents plaque accumulation.
• It helps to detoxify the body.
• Men with sexual dysfunction can benefit greatly as muesli helps to increase libido.
• Another important health benefit of muesli is it is rich in calcium which strengthens bones and teeth.
• Mix cinnamon with muesli to cure cold, cough and other minor discomforts.
• You can eat it with fresh fruits to get healthy, glowing skin.
• Yet another important muesli health benefit is it is rich in carbohydrates which boost and maintain energy levels.
• Muesli contains beta glucan which helps to heal wounds quickly.
• It helps to ward off old age diseases like rheumatism and arthritis.
• Muesli contains omega-3 fatty acids that develop the nervous system.
• Fresh muesli mixed with fruits strengthens the immune systems and fights off seasonal ailments.
• It contains folic acid which boosts red blood cells.
• Since muesli is rich in fiber, you feel full for a long time. This decreases your daily calorie intake and helps you to shed unwanted pounds.
• Muesli is low in saturated fats but rich in manganese. These two factors make the heart healthy and protect against heart diseases.

(http://www.drgranny.com/2012/01/31/benefits-of-muesli/)

Why is it a good breakfast food?

The main reason why it is good for you is because of the numerous health benefits that it offers. Here are a few:

1.       Gives overall nutrition: People who don't eat breakfast usually don't get adequate nutrition during the day and are therefore less likely to get all the vitamins and minerals they need. Muesli, being a summation of whole oats, nuts, fruits, and wheat flakes, provides all round nutrition. Eating muesli at breakfast will enhance your energy, and also help you to maintain high concentration levels throughout the day.

2.       Fulfills the daily fiber requirement: In this age of processed food, very few people are able to achieve their daily fiber requirement through regular meals. Muesli being a very rich source of dietary fiber - both soluble and insoluble - helps in lowering the blood cholesterol level. The soluble fiber (beta-glucans) in muesli helps in avoiding dramatic changes in blood sugar level. It also relives constipation by improving the bowel moment in the intestinal tract.

3.       Aids weight loss: The high calorie intake during breakfast allows your body to function better and helps you become less hungry during the day. The reason lies in the fact that the fibers swell up by absorbing water, leaving lesser space for the intake of more food in the stomach. The B-complex vitamins in muesli also regenerate fat metabolism. The balanced breakfast in the morning also speeds up your metabolism which burns more calories. Adding to that, recent studies indicate that people who eat breakfast exercise more since they have adequate energy to do so.

4.       Reduce risk of cancer: Oats, nuts and seeds, when added to Muesli, contribute plenty of phytochemical agents called lignans and antioxidants which decreases the risk of problems like breast cancer, prostate and ovarian cancer.

5.       Prevents heart diseases: The presence of manganese in muesli along with low saturated fats keeps your heart safe. The nuts bring to the table the heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and essential omega-3 fatty acids.

(http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/health-benefits-of-muesli-68468776)

Health Benefits of Muesli: Is Muesli Healthy?

The average cup of pre-packaged muesli has around 289 calories. Although it contains little fat, most pre-packaged brands of muesli are high in sugar and one serving can have as much as 26 grams of sugar and 66 grams of carbohydrates – definitely not a good choice if you’re on a carb restricted diet. It does have a significant amount of fiber and it’s a fair source of protein which makes it a food that’s relatively filling and satisfying. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals – including vitamin E, the B vitamins, and iron. When you add milk, it also becomes a good source of bone building calcium.

>>>
Other Health Benefits of Muesli

The oats found in muesli contain beta-glucans which is a soluble fiber that lowers cholesterol levels. The dried fruits added to muesli contain anti-oxidants in addition to vitamins and minerals. The nuts add heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and if you buy a brand that contains walnuts, you get alpha-linolenic-acid which is converted to omega-3’s by the body. Omega-3’s are heart healthy and reduce inflammation.

>>> Is Muesli Healthy?

All in all a bowl of muesli is a healthy way to start the day – if you buy a low sugar version. If you can’t find one, it’s not hard to make your own by combining rolled oats with the dried fruits and nuts of your choice. You can add a healthier sweetener such as Stevia instead of sugar. Another way to add natural sweetness to muesli is to add a little fruit juice to the milk when you eat it. It can also be mixed with yogurt for a quick breakfast or dessert treat.

(http://healthmad.com/nutrition/eating-muesli-for-breakfast-is-it-healthy/)

Two kinds of Muesli ~

·         Dry Muesli: This is the most popular version of muesli and can be bought pre-packaged at almost all supermarkets. It is usually a loose mixture of mainly rolled oats and often also wheat flakes, together with various pieces of dried fruit, nuts, and seeds. Although it contains little fat and a significant amount of fiber, many of the pre-packaged varieties contain high levels of sugars and added ingredients such as chocolate or marshmallows which make it a non-healthy choice. You can look for a low sugar version or make your own fresh muesli to make sure that you are eating healthy. This type is sold in supermarkets.

·         Fresh Muesli: Fresh Muesli is a freshly prepared mixture that includes dry rolled oats or whole grain oats that have been soaked in water or fruit juice, as well as finely grated or blended fresh fruit (such as apples, grapes, berries, bananas and mango), lemon juice, ground nuts, seeds, milk products (such as yogurt, condensed milk or cream), and honey. This is certainly not your cup of tea if you live life in the fast lane. But if you could find some time out of your daily schedule, this can be the best breakfast food ever!

(http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/health-benefits-of-muesli-68468776)

1. Packaged muesli - is a loose mixture of mainly rolled oatsand/or cornflakes together with various pieces of dried fruit, nuts, and seeds. It commonly contains other rolled cereal grains such as wheat or rye flakes as well. There are many varieties, some of which may also contain honey, spices, or chocolate. This dry packaged muesli can be stored for many months. It can be served quickly after mixing it with milk, yogurt, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit juice, or even just plain water. If desired, pieces of fresh fruit may be added. Alternatively, the mix may be soaked overnight in milk and then served with fresh fruit or compote to taste.

2. Fresh muesli - made using rolled oats,  orange juice, blended apple and banana, red currants, raisins, cottage cheese, topped with raspberries. Muesli can also be freshly prepared using either dry rolled oats or whole grain oats that have been soaked in water or fruit juice. Other ingredients commonly included are additional grated or chopped fresh fruit (e.g., bananas, apples, berries, grapes, mango), dried fruit, milk products (e.g., yogurt, cream, condensed milk, cottage cheese, or nondairy milk substitutes), lemon juice, ground nuts, seeds, spices (especially cinnamon), honey and muesli mix.

(wikipedia)

Summary
The muesli available in supermarkets contains nuts, wheat flakes and raisins which add up to make a nutritious and healthy breakfast. Eat it with milk every morning to enjoy its good taste and numerous muesli benefits. Eating a healthy breakfast is very important to give you the best possible start into a busy day. Muesli in general is a very good start to the day. Always remember a sound breakfast wins the day!