Cereals are present in our basic daily diet in various forms. These are carbohydrates. They are part of the essential macronutrients. Digestion transforms them into glucose, a source of energy for physical effort, cold resistance ...). They are composed of carbohydrates (70 or 80% in the form of starch), proteins, vitamins (B), minerals (phosphorus, magnesium) and fibers. They do not contain essential amino acids; therefore, they must be consumed in combination with other foods, meats, fish, dairy products and legumes. It is important to consume whole or semi-complete (more digestible) cereals. Refined grains have lost all their nutrients, including fiber needed for intestinal transit. The most consumed are rice, maize, wheat, barley and sorghum. They are consumed in the form of seeds, semolina or flour.

The different cereals
We can classify cereals in two groups: with or without gluten, to which some people are allergic. The main cereals without gluten are spelled, maize, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, rice and sorghum. The main cereals with gluten are oats, wheat, barley and rye. It is important to choose breakfast cereals for high quality carbohydrate intake.