Our fast and hectic lifestyles have prompted us to find options to a big fat Indian breakfast. The saying “eat breakfast like a king…” seems to be a huge controversy in the world of health in the present times. A bowl of muesli with fresh fruit and nuts though guarantees a well-rounded nutrition quotient without really making your breakfast a big deal. So, what IS muesli?
This breakfast cereal developed by a Swiss physician, Maximilian Bircher-Benner in the 1900s has been reinvented in various ways over time. Today, muesli is rolled oats, wheat flakes, dried fruits, nuts and seeds with added honey or chocolate as sweeteners or some healthy spices like cinnamon. The variants are innumerable and exciting. A homemade mix instead of the boxed muesli can make it an adventure to prepare with your favourite ingredients and options. So, let’s get down to knowing a whole lot of health benefits this wholesome but straightforward food offers us when on the run or when having a quiet seated breakfast.
Energy-boosting
The high carbohydrate content in the whole grains and cereals makes muesli an energy-boosting meal. The dried fruits increase the natural sugar content that helps dispel the brain fog and improves the cognitive function to get you ready for the day ahead.
Choke-full of iron, protein and vitamins
Muesli is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E and K. The protein in it helps in muscle building and repairs cell damage. Iron in muesli helps alleviate signs of fatigue, increases the haemoglobin levels and helps in manage anaemia. When taken with added milk or yoghurt, the calcium does wonders for bone and teeth health.
Storehouse of antioxidants
Muesli contains various antioxidants that help the body fight against free radical damage. These very compounds protect against ageing and stress. The antioxidants also keep the immunity up while fighting against common colds and cough.
Diabetic care
As muesli is choke-full of dietary fibre, it regulates the blood sugar levels, unlike other sugary breakfasts that give it an unhealthy spike. It has been known to lower the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes with regular intake.
Heart-healthy
The soluble fibre, beta-glucan, found in oats is touted to lower blood cholesterol and protects against arteriosclerosis. The original recipe of muesli by Dr. Bircher-Benner with lemon as an ingredient is still believed to help keep the heart healthy.
Muesli is a great snack that controls blood pressure, once again affecting cardiac health. It is also low in saturated fats and is full of manganese, which in itself is excellent for the heart.
Relieves constipation
Bowel movements see a considerable improvement due to the fibre content of wheat and oats present in muesli. It promotes a healthy digestive tract and overall good gut health.
Health aid in pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers
The mix of great minerals, vitamins, fibre, protein and iron in muesli makes it a fantastic snack during pregnancy. It relieves constipation, which is also a bane of pregnancy for most women.
Oats have forever been touted to help increase breastmilk production. This crunchy snack is also full of iron which any new mother is required to take in ample quantity. These benefits make muesli a wonder food for new mothers.
Packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
As muesli has a good amount of nuts and seeds, it is a rich source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. These fatty acids are excellent for skin, hair and eye health. Glowing skin and lustrous tresses are a given with a bowl of this healthy snack.
Wonder food for weight loss
This snack packed with a great mix of protein, carbohydrates and fats is an excellent way to lose weight. When added with fresh fruits and some calcium-rich milk or yoghurt, it can be a meal in itself for weight watchers.
If you haven’t already, we wish you would give muesli a chance to change your overall health in just a bowlful every day.
Bon Appetit!
Article by Payal Kurian
Click here to buy Muesli
Superb info reg muesli breakfast. Trouble is finding it difficult to digest for a Sr Citizen like me. Anyway, l try to finish off in 2 sessions. Thks. Keep it up. Regards.