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What is Bran Cereal?

Kris Roudebush
Kris Roudebush

Bran is the outer layer of grains like rice, corn, wheat, or barley. It's also the part of the grain that is the most nutrient dense, and contains proteins, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Cereals made from whole wheat bran, without added sugar or hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, are a good source of whole grains that are high in fiber, folic acid, B vitamins, and potassium. Because of their high fiber content, they are usually very filling.

Not so long ago, bran cereal had a reputation for tasting like cardboard and sitting heavily on the stomach. It's this reputation that has turned a number of people off, but this cereal continues to be a staple because it is high in nutritional content and low in calories.

Barley, which is sometimes used to make bran cereal.
Barley, which is sometimes used to make bran cereal.

A wider variety of bran cereal has become available in recent years, which means tastier options for those who enjoy cold cereal. Adding fresh fruit, dried fruit, or nuts can add flavor and variety, and it can be mixed with yogurt instead of milk. Of course, people can also try one of the many new flavors that seem to hit stores on a regular basis. When picking a cereal, shoppers be sure to look for the fewest ingredients, low sugar content, and high fiber content. Cereals with hydrogenated oils should generally be avoided because hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils — also known as trans fats — are considered very unhealthy.

Wheat bran.
Wheat bran.

People who have decided that bran cereal is just not for them may want to find alternative ways to eat it. They may want to use finely crushed cereal, mixed with bread crumbs or on its own, to coat fish, chicken, or cheese sticks to add fiber to breaded foods. These foods should be baked, as frying would add unwanted fat. Crushed cereal can be mixed with graham crackers in pie crusts to get a boost of fiber and nutrition. People who are watching calories or counting points, can use bran to boost the nutritional value of foods to help with appetite control.

Discussion Comments

latte31

SauteePan - I have tried All Bran and it is too dry for me. My husband and I like Raisin Bran cereal. The raisins compliment the crispy taste of the cereal.

I also heard that cereal like Raisin Bran and Wheat Bran cereal lower your risk of colon cancer.

I also eat oatmeal sometimes for the same reason. It is healthy and very filling. I try to sprinkle a little bit of brown sugar and raisins on my oatmeal and it is delicious.

I have tried the Mc Donald’s oatmeal and it is really good too. I never thought of putting in some slices of apple in my oatmeal.

They say that the unprocessed oatmeal has a lot more fiber and it is better for you then the sweetened version, but I could not get used to the taste of it.

SauteePan

I have to say that I really like All Bran cereal. It tastes great with some blueberries and a little bit of Splenda.

I really like that bran cereal has so much fiber that it keeps me full for a while. If I eat a bowl of bran cereal I can go until about 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon without eating anything else.

I also like Kashi Go Lean cereal too. It has about 8 grams of fiber and it is already presweetened. It is made with soy which is also great for you and is supposed to reduce your risk of breast cancer.

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    • Barley, which is sometimes used to make bran cereal.
      By: 1999istek
      Barley, which is sometimes used to make bran cereal.
    • Wheat bran.
      By: Vidady
      Wheat bran.
    • Bran cereal is a nutritional option for people who are watching calorie intake.
      By: Darrin Henry
      Bran cereal is a nutritional option for people who are watching calorie intake.
    • People who need to get additional dietary fiber should eat plenty of vegetables in addition to bran cereal.
      By: Photographee.eu
      People who need to get additional dietary fiber should eat plenty of vegetables in addition to bran cereal.
    • Bran cereal is often served with fruit and nuts.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Bran cereal is often served with fruit and nuts.