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Monday, July 12, 2010

Nearly False Advertising


We've all heard the talk about Cheerios being an excellent way to lower cholesterol, but here's what's in the fine print (I found this written on a Cheerios cereal box):

"*Three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like Cheerios cereal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, MAY reduce the risk of heart disease.  Cheerios cereal provides 1 gram per serving."

(My own emphasis added.)

So, let me translate:  Cheerios might, possibly give you 1/3 of what you need every day to lower your cholesterol, IF you additionally have a diet that's already low in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Let me translate again:  Cheerios is practically useless in lowering your cholesterol.  Just have a diet that is low in cholesterol, and you'll be fine.  Cheerios can be a part of that diet, but it does nothing on its own.

Sorry, General Mills.  You're just not as healthy as you think you are.