SURREAL PROTEIN CEREAL REVIEW: A HEALTHY BREAKFAST? THINK AGAIN... ~ THE MALE GROOMING REVIEW

It's a new "protein cereal" that's taken the market by storm... but how healthy is this brand?

Surreal Cereal is a brand of high-protein, low-sugar breakfast cereals designed as a healthier alternative to traditional cereals. The company aims to recreate the nostalgia of childhood favourites with a modern, nutritious twist.

Surreal Cereal's ingredients vary by flavour, but they share a common focus on "clean, healthy components" that fit within high-protein, low-sugar dietary goals.

Let's take a look at the ingredients used, and break them down...

Sweeteners:

Allulose: A natural low-calorie sweetener.
Stevia: A plant-based, calorie-free sweetener.

Sweeteners like allulose and stevia do have some potential downsides depending on the individual and the amount consumed:

1. Allulose:

Potential Side Effects:

Digestive Issues: In some people, especially when consumed in large quantities, allulose may cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea. This occurs because it is not fully absorbed in the digestive tract and ferments in the colon.
Laxative Effect: Excessive consumption may lead to a laxative-like effect.

2. Stevia:

Potential Side Effects:

Aftertaste: Some individuals dislike the slightly bitter or metallic aftertaste.
Digestive Sensitivity: In some cases, stevia may cause bloating, nausea, or gas, especially if consumed in blends with sugar alcohols.
Allergic Reactions: Extremely rare but possible, especially for those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, daisies).

General Concerns About Sweeteners:

Overreliance on Sweetness:
- Even calorie-free sweeteners can maintain cravings for sweet flavours, potentially interfering with long-term dietary changes.
Gut Microbiome Effects:
- Although not fully understood, some studies suggest certain sweeteners might alter the gut microbiome, which could affect digestion and immunity.
Misleading "Health Halo":

Some people may overconsume products with sweeteners, thinking they’re "free" of consequences, which could lead to excess calorie intake from other ingredients.

Potential Health Effects of Sunflower Lecithin:

Digestive Issues:
- In some cases, sunflower lecithin may cause mild gastrointestinal side effects such as:
  - Diarrhea
  - Nausea
  - Abdominal discomfort
- These issues are typically associated with excessive consumption.
Allergic Reactions:
- Allergies to sunflower lecithin are uncommon, but individuals with a sunflower seed allergy might experience:
  - Skin rashes
  - Swelling
  - Difficulty breathing (severe reactions are very rare).
- People prone to seed allergies should be cautious.
Risk of Contamination:
- If poorly sourced or improperly processed, lecithin could potentially contain trace contaminants, although high-quality products typically avoid this.
Hormonal Concerns (Unproven):
- Lecithin contains phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine, which some claim might influence hormonal balance.
Caloric Contribution:

While minimal, sunflower lecithin does contain small amounts of fat and calories. Overuse in supplements or added foods could marginally contribute to caloric intake.

Cereal often contains additives like starch, fillers, powders, and artificial flavourings, which provide no nutritional value to the body. In fact, these additives can be detrimental to long-term health.

If truth be told, healthy cereal does not exist. Cereal is not balanced and fails to provide the nutrients needed for a wholesome breakfast. Opting for protein-rich, whole-food-based breakfasts is absolutely a better choice.

If you're aiming for optimal health, it's best to avoid cereal altogether and choose eggs instead. Alternatively, you could skip breakfast entirely. Despite the common belief that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it’s not essential. In fact, fasting has been shown to offer significant health benefits, including weight loss, increased energy, and improved mental clarity.

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THE MALE GROOMING REVIEW