Nutritive value of cereals
Cereals are the main source of energy, contributing 70-80 percent of our energy requirement.
Eighty percent of dry matter of cereals is carbohydrates. The two form of carbohydrates present are insoluble fibre (cellulose) and soluble carbohydrate. Cereals contain 6-12 percent protein, which are deficient in lysine. Among cereals, protein is of better quality than others. Fats are present to the extent of 1-2 percent in wheat and rice and 3 percent in maize. Cereals are poor source of calcium and iron, except ragi, which is a good source of calcium and iron. Whole grain cereals are important source of B vitamins in the diet.