Jumping from trend to trend won’t improve your gut health
Here’s why Nature’s cereal isn’t the ideal choice.
By now, we know Tiktok has become the ‘Trend Hub.’ All the Tiktok and Instagram users already know what Nature’s cereal is. If you don’t, here’s a little context around it.
Nature’s cereal is the latest food trend that was started from Tiktok by a user ‘natures_food’. He shares his love for plant-based food and fruits. He accidentally invented this viral recipe which has stormed over social media.
Nature’s cereal is made with fresh berries, pomegranates, and any fruits you love making a colorful and flavorful bowl. It then is mixed either with water or coconut water for those electrolytes and ice for the crunch and coolness (not a pun!)
While many people like it, there are many who despise and troll the recipe calling it ‘unblended smoothie.’ One could just call it a bowl of berries; however, with the addition of coconut water and ice- many people have called it a dessert swap, healthy breakfast, etc.
I see why Nature’s cereal is viral and liked by most (based on reviews from Lizzo and other influencers)-
- Tastes great
- Is Vegan/Plant-based
- Looks healthy (Mind you- it looks healthy*)
- Unprocessed Sugar
- It has plenty of antioxidants (That’s a plus!)
As beautiful as it looks, its health quotient does not quite match the beautiful-looking bowl. Though it’s healthier than the sugary processed cereal and milk, Nature’s cereal as a viral trend can trick people into consuming it daily. Here’s the problem with that-
*Though fruits do not have any processed sugar, unfortunately, it is rich with natural sugar called Fructose. Many people are not well equipped to digest and absorb large amounts of Fructose. Researchers have confirmed that up to 40% of people suffer from a condition called ‘Fructose Malabsorption,’ where the body cannot break down Fructose and is thereby absorbed inefficiently through the small intestine.
During this time, the fruits sit in the gut and are not able to nourish us efficiently. By sitting in the gut, it ferments with the help of bacteria. The bacteria then feed themselves on Fructose, causing a lot of bloating and gas.
While most people can argue saying fruits have glucose that helps with the absorption of fructose, it is not entirely true. Some fruits have more fructose than others and can cause bloating and inflammatory reactions if consumed in large quantities.
One of the other issues, why I had to write this article, was my raising concerns with people replacing Nature’s cereal to be one of their meals.
However, it is only low-calorie based on the fruits you choose to put in your bowl. Fruits can pretty quickly become high-calorie if portion control is not considered.
Our bodies also tend to increase blood sugar with fruit intake, causing increased levels of insulin. This is a domino effect, and our body starts to rapidly absorb the sugar and store it, thereby leading to insulin resistance and an increase in cortisol and estrogen levels.
All of this can be prevented with mindful eating of fruits and not replacing an entire meal with Nature’s cereal.
I personally love fruits, and by no means am I a party pooper, but when it comes to gut health- I do take my food seriously. I have myself tried Nature’s cereal and loved it!
As much as Nature’s cereal is Instagrammable and right on trend- there are some serious consequences if people have fructose intolerance. As long as we all eat our food mindfully, no harm in making your food look colorful, pretty, and on par with the latest trends.
So are you pro Nature’s cereal, want to try it or hate it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments down below.
