The Truth About Cheerios

JUST HOW GOOD ARE CHEERIOS, ANYWAY?
The FDA questions cereals' health claims


If you’re eating Cheerios because you thought they were good for you, you’re only part right. But you could also be a sucker.

This week, the FDA warned General Mills about its claim that the cereal is “clinically proven to help lower cholesterol 4 percent in 6 weeks.” It refers to a clinical study conducted in 1998 in which people who ate 3 cups of Cheerios a day lowered their LDL (bad) cholesterol by 7 points.

The FDA said a product has to be approved as a drug before manufacturers can make such specific health-related claims.

MH has always thought the cereal’s claim was a little flawed—our Fitness Insider, Adam Campbell, wrote about this in January of last year. First of all, the folks ate 3 cups of Cheerios a day. You’d probably have to drown in O’s to see any difference. And it’s no certainty that a 7-point drop in LDL is even significant.

That said, Cheerios is a good choice, as breakfast cereals go. It is low in sugar (only 1 gram), contains a mere 2 grams of fat, and has 3 grams of fiber per serving. Anything made from whole oats is not bad.

Whether you eat Cheerios, eggs, or yogurt with granola, make sure you eat breakfast every morning, and make sure it includes some protein. Studies show breakfast eaters eat fewer calories throughout the day and are sharper and more alert.