Is Muesli Healthy?

A Healthy Breakfast Cereal Choice?

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?

What is Muesli?

Muesli can be bought pre-packaged at most supermarkets. It usually consists of a blend of rolled oats combined with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. It's also a popular food product in health foods stores and natural markets because of its perceived health benefits.

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?: The Bottom Line