7 great reasons to try whole-grain cereal

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Why not give it the attention it needs with whole-grain cereal vs. the usual sugary stuff. Here are seven great reasons to give whole grain a try.

This vital sign should be kept within the healthy range of about 120/80. Switching to a whole-grain cereal is an easy way of doing so.

• There are some whole grains, like brown rice, that can block the absorption of a protein called angiotensin II. This protein leads to clogged arteries, which in turn can lead to high blood pressure.

For a quick and easy way to boost your body's digestive powers, pack your breakfast cereal full of fibre and protein.

• It'll help you feel full with less food, and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Plus, cereals high in fibre and protein also tend to contain vitamins and bran, both of which contribute to a healthier feeling overall.

When you add in more proteins, fibres and brans, your colon also reaps the benefit.

• This organ's job is to process waste products and reabsorb fluids, preparing both for their elimination from the body. It's the last stop of the intestinal and digestive system and important to keep it in good shape.

The fat around your midsection is one of the most dangerous kinds to have, but switching to whole grain cereal can be one way to reduce that and get healthier overall.

• Reduce your risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke by having the fibre in whole grains better regulate your blood sugar levels.

Closely tied to belly fat is having belly bloating.

• It's not always a hard and fast correlation, but having less belly fat and amping up the amount of whole grains in your cereal tends to lead to less belly bloating.
• The reasoning behind this is that whole grains fill you up more efficiently, avoiding that over-stuffed and unpleasant feeling that comes along with gorging on low-whole grain foods.

If you've been feeling a little draggy lately, try seeing what a bowl of whole-grain cereal in the morning can do for you.

• You won't want to rely just on whole-grain cereal alone, but use it as a supplement with regular exercise to enjoy the full benefits of it.

Whole grain cereals leave you feeling fuller longer, and with having to eat less food. And if you have to eat less food to feel the same level of fullness, that means you don't have to shop for as much food.

• Over time, you'll slowly notice a drop in the amount of money you're paying for groceries, leaving more in your wallet than before.
• Why not treat yourself to a gym class or spa session with the money you saved to help yourself feel even better!

Whole grain cereals have a multitude of health benefits. Switch your first meal of the day to a healthier alternative and starting reaping the benefits immediately.