Turns out Kellogg's upped the amounts of Vitamins A, C and E in the cereals from 10 percent of the recommended daily value to 25 percent. And they're correct in saying that those vitamins play an important role in the body's immune function. But that science supports the vitamins, not the vitamins plus sugary cereal.
Needless to say, at breakfast tomorrow I won't be pouring myself a bowl of Krispies cereal. More likely I'll sit down to a bowl of yogurt. (If you're looking to lose weight, try one of these 10 Breakfasts That Fight Fat instead.)
Here's why: Probiotics, so-called "good bacteria" found in yogurt, are touted as helping prevent GI upsets. According to a recent review in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, regular consumption of probiotics may help your immune system work better, reduce the incidence of intestinal infections and improve digestion.
I hope to boost my immune system with these breakfast recipes containing probiotic-rich yogurt:
Blueberries with Lemon Cream: Blending vanilla yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese creates a topping that's as virtuous as it is delicious. Any fresh berry can be used in this recipe.
Apricot Smoothie: Canned apricot halves blend deliciously with yogurt in a tangy and refreshing smoothie.
Breakfast Parfait: A little low-fat yogurt plus some vitamin-rich fruit and you've just started your day right, nutritionally speaking.
- 3/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, papaya chunks or cling peaches
- 2 teaspoons toasted wheat germ
Place yogurt (or cottage cheese) in a small bowl. Top with fruit and sprinkle with wheat germ.
Makes 1 serving.
Per serving (with yogurt, papaya): 185 calories; 3 g fat (2 g sat, 0 g mono); 15 mg cholesterol; 28 g carbohydrate; 10 g protein; 3 g fiber; 132 mg sodium; 404 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (150% daily value), Vitamin A (40% dv), Calcium (35% dv), Folate (17% dv).
Per serving (with cottage cheese, pineapple): 247 calories; 3 g fat (2 g sat, 0 g mono); 15 mg cholesterol; 40 g carbohydrate; 20 g protein; 3 g fiber; 632 mg sodium; 479 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (30% daily value), Selenium (20% dv), Calcium (15% dv).
Yogurt Shopping Tips:
- Look for a "Live & Active Cultures" seal from the National Yogurt Association on the label, which signifies that the yogurt contains a set minimum amount of two particular types of beneficial bacteria. (While it's not a guarantee of probiotic power—the bacterial counts don't differentiate between added probiotic organisms and the bacteria that's used to ferment the yogurt—the seal is a helpful start.)
- And if you really want to know about the science backing a product's "probiotic power," contact the manufacturer.
By Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D.
Brierley's interest in nutrition and food come together in her position as an associate editor at EatingWell. Brierley holds a master's degree in Nutrition Communication from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. A Registered Dietitian, she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Vermont.
Related Links from EatingWell:
- Get food news, healthy recipes, health tips and more at EatingWell.com.
- Find more than 100 delicious seasonally-inspired recipes in our newest book, EatingWell in Season: The Farmers’ Market Cookbook.
- Sign up for EatingWell's free weekly newsletters and get healthy recipes, diet tips and nutrition news delivered right to your inbox.
- Get a free trial issue when you subscribe to EatingWell Magazine.
