Dangers of ‘hidden ingredients’ in breakfast cereals

The Stroke Association warned today against the hidden dangers from the high levels of salt, sugar and fat found in many popular breakfast cereals enjoyed by both children and adults.

Processed and refined foods are often high in all these ingredients. Reducing these in a diet and eating more fresh produce, could dramatically reduce a person’s risk of developing a stroke in later life.

Most people are not aware that food such as cereal, cereal bars, bread and biscuits contain large amounts of salt, sugar and hydrogenated fats. These “hidden ingredients” means that people might be unaware of the amounts they are actually eating, and the risk of stroke as a result.

Ways to reduce your intake of salt, sugar and hydrogenated fats:

• Don’t add salt to food-try using flavourings such as fresh garlic, herbs or spices instead
• Check labels on food for their content; For example, most foods are labeled by the amount of sodium (which is contained in salt) per 100g. Levels of 0.5 g of sodium or more per 100g are high, whilst 0.1 g per 100 g is low
• Check flavour enhancers and preservatives as these can contain sugar and salt
• Include fresh foods in the diet, particularly fruit and vegetables. Many are low in salt and fat, high in fibre and rich in antioxidants.