Whole Grain and Soluble Fiber
Whole grain is important to the diet for several reasons. It has carbohydrates the body needs for energy. Whole grain also brings more nutrition to the table than refined grains. Some whole grain, like whole grain oats, has the kind of soluble fiber which may actually help the body lower cholesterol.
Calcium
Like many minerals, the body needs calcium for the work it does every day. Getting enough calcium can help a woman's body maintain proper bone density. That's an issue that becomes even more important for women during and after menopause. Low-fat dairy products are good sources of calcium. There are other sources too:
- Soy beans
- Fish (like canned salmon or sardines)
- Green vegetables (including turnip and mustard greens, and broccoli)
- Blackstrap molasses is another source of calcium, as well as several other minerals
How can we help?
3 grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like original Cheerios® and Honey Nut Cheerios cereal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Original Cheerios cereal provides 1 gram per serving; Honey Nut Cheerios cereal provides 0.75 gram per serving.