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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics

Diet

Oats vs Cornflakes: Which Breakfast Wins the Nutrition Game

A good breakfast sets the tone for the day. But when choosing between oats and cornflakes, which one should you pick? Let’s break it down!

Introduction

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Both are popular breakfast options, but their nutrition, benefits, and impact on health differ greatly. Before you grab that bowl, let’s see which one fuels your body better.

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Oats (per 100g) have 379 kcal Calories, 13g protein, 10g fiber and approx. 68g carbs. While cornflakes (per 100g) have 358 kcal calories, 7g protein, 3g fiber and 84g carbs approximately. Oats are naturally high in fiber & protein, while cornflakes have more carbs & less fiber.

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Oats contain soluble fiber, beta-glucan, which keeps you full for longer, aids digestive health and supports weight management, whereas cornflakes have less fiber, which means you may feel hungry sooner and crave more food.

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Oats have nearly double the protein of cornflakes, making them a better choice for muscle building & recovery, boost metabolism, provide feeling of satiety & reduce frequent cravings while cornflakes lack protein if not paired with nuts, seeds, or milk.

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Sugar and hidden ingredients are a big concern for cornflakes, as they often contain added sugar that leads to sugar spikes and are less natural and highly processed, whereas oats are 100% natural, have no added sugar or artificial ingredient that helps keep blood sugar stable. 

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Oats are more weight loss friendly as they are high in fiber and protein, have low glycemic index, supports fat loss and promoted gut health. While cornflakes have a high glycemic index, and can trigger cravings. 

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Oats offer a variety and can be used in multiple ways like overnight oats; in smoothies, pancakes can be prepared, and the most easy one is porridge, while cornflakes are usually eaten with milk, fruits and nuts.

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In the better, healthier breakfast category, Oats wins as it is high in fiber and protein, aids in weight loss and is more versatile. 

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Now that we have all the facts, cornflakes can be an occasional treat, but for daily nutrition, oats are the smarter choice.

Conclusion

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