Good old-fashioned cereal -- like corn flakes and shredded wheat -- lives up to its healthy reputation. Doctors say a single bowl of cereal a day can sharply reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
The key ingredient in cereal, according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, is folic acid. The right levels of this substance, he said, could save more than 50,000 American lives every year.
The reason for the good news, Dr. Manilow said, is that the folic acid in cereals reduces homocysteine in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid which clogs the arteries and causes heart disease.
Other studies have shown that almost all victims of fatal heart attacks or strokes have high levels of homocysteine in their systems. Research has indicated that a multi-vitamin food supplement containing at least 400 milligrams of folic acid also should reduce homocysteine enough. But while you're getting your folic acid you may as well have some fun, and some breakfast.
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