Machinist

Joe White

HEV 370

Professor, Robert Lee

April 1, 2006

Nutritional Facts Report

Ever since I was a kid, the cereal of Wheaties has played an essential role in my daily diet. It’s one of my favorite foods. That’s the reason why I have chosen this product for my nutrition report. There are numerous benefits to a daily healthy diet and proper nutrition, these include: increased mental acuteness; resistance to illness and disease; a more robust immune system; higher energy levels; and faster recuperation times, among others. A bowl of Wheaties contains five key nutrients, which are carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. All of these are key components of a healthy diet. It’s a whole grain cereal composed of crispy whole-wheat flakes. Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel -- the bran, germ, and endosperm. Interestingly, as I researched the product in more depth, I discovered that the popular cereal flake was created in the 1930’s when a Minneapolis health clinician preparing a wheat bran mixture accidentally spilled some on a hot stove creating the tasty wheat flakes. This popular cereal is made by General Mills and is widely referred to by the marketing slogan name of the Breakfast of Champions.

I start my day by having a bowl of this whole grain cereal for breakfast. I take a Ð'Ñ* cup, which is equivalent to 27 grams, I mix-it with Ð'Ð... cup of skim milk. This gives me roughly 140 calories of which 10 come from fat, which I consider relatively low. Typically, my daily calorie intake is around 2500 to 2800. I should point out that prior to me taking this class; I did not pay much attention to the Nutrition Facts label. I now realize that this is a very good nutrient dense food that provides me with high-energy intake. Typically, a nutrient dense food contains a very high nutrient to calorie ratio. To me this is key, because it helps keep me stay alert in the mornings. Especially, during my long commute to work. The total fat content is 0.5grams, which is low and it primarily comes from the added skim milk. Without skim milk, it contains 0 grams of saturated fat, trans-fat, polyunsaturated fat, and menstruated fat. The Cholesterol content is 0 mg or 1% with the skim milk, which is also very low. This is very important to me, because I have borderline high cholesterol levels. As studies have shown, high intake of saturated fats, trans-fat and cholesterol increases the risk of unhealthy lipid levels, which could potentially lead to coronary heart disease. The sodium intake of 190 mg accounts for only 10% of my daily intake, which is also low, which also benefits my cholesterol levels. The potassium intake of 95 mg accounts for