Everyone knows semolina porridge: more benefit or harm? The truth about the benefits and harms of semolina porridge (semolina) for a child and an adult. The benefits and harms of semolina

6 month old children. Moms followed these recommendations. As a result, several generations of children have grown up eating this product frequently. However, in recent decades, the views of pediatricians and gastroenterologists have changed dramatically, and semolina is no longer considered a food suitable for feeding young children.

In fact, semolina is ground wheat.

Semolina consists of small particles of the endosperm of wheat grains, in other words, semolina is ground wheat. The grain size varies within 0.2-0.6 mm. Semolina is obtained from soft, durum and mixed varieties of wheat. For porridge, only cereals from soft varieties are suitable. "Hard" cereals are added to soups, meatballs, casseroles, etc.

Composition of cereals

The composition of semolina includes more than two dozen useful components necessary for the normal functioning of the body.

For 100 g of semolina there are:

• 67.4 g of carbohydrates (their main part is starch);
• 14 g of water;
• 10.3 g protein;
• just one gram of fat.

Also, semolina contains ash substances, vitamins (PP, E, B2, B6, B1, folic acid), trace elements (potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, fluorine, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, silicon, etc.).

However, when compared with other cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice), it turns out that in terms of the content of trace elements and vitamins, semolina "loses" them by 3-5 times.

Beneficial features

Semolina porridge is easily digested by the child's body and has a high energy value. Thanks to the quick method of preparation, all the beneficial substances present in it are preserved unchanged.

Semolina porridge is considered a dietary dish:

• with children and adults;
• at ;
• with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• during the recovery period after surgery.

However, pediatricians and gastroenterologists recommend introducing semolina into the diet of healthy children only after one year. Children 1-3 years old are allowed to include this porridge on the menu once every 10 days (not more often!). Schoolchildren can eat this dish 2-3 times a week.

The benefits of semolina:

1. Strengthening the cardiovascular system due to the presence of magnesium and potassium in the composition.
2. and folic acid normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
3. Silicon and calcium strengthen the condition of the skeletal system.
4. Carbohydrates in the composition of semolina are quickly absorbed, saturating the children's body with energy.
5. Semolina has a beneficial effect on the state of the stomach, enveloping its walls and relieving spasms, etc.

Harm of semolina for a child

School-age children are allowed to use semolina porridge 2-3 times a week, preschoolers - less often (1-2 times in 7-10 days).

According to recent studies, semolina can be harmful to a child for several reasons:

1. High content of phytin. This substance "binds" calcium, preventing its entry into the blood. An insufficient amount of calcium salts is compensated by the body from the bone and muscle systems. In other words, if you regularly feed your child with semolina, the risk of calcium deficiency increases. This can adversely affect the work of all internal organs. In some cases, there is a violation of the functioning of the heart muscle, deterioration of blood clotting, the appearance of signs of rickets and seizures. The frequent use of semolina porridge also negatively affects the activity of the immune system.
2. Semolina contains a large amount of gluten - a vegetable protein. Increasingly, gluten intolerance is being recorded in children (). This disease is usually inherited and is characterized by thinning of the intestinal mucosa, malabsorption of nutrients. It is not gluten itself that causes pathological symptoms, but one of its fractions, gliadin. Regular ingestion of this substance in the gastrointestinal tract leads to the death of the intestinal villi. As a result, the child develops digestive problems and develops gastrointestinal diseases (, etc.). Even non-celiac children can develop gluten allergies.

Recipe

Rules for making porridge from semolina:

• Boil 200 ml of water.
• Pour 2 tablespoons of cereal in a thin stream into boiling water, stirring constantly.

The optimal ratio of semolina and water is 1:10.

• Cook porridge for 7-10 minutes.

Important! It is impossible to digest semolina porridge, since all the useful substances in the digested product are absent.

• Add 100 ml of hot milk, salt, sugar, dried fruits, butter to taste.

You can not add dried fruits, but mix the finished porridge with mashed banana, grated or pear.

Summary for parents

You should not give semolina porridge to babies under one year old. Children from 1 to 3 years old can eat this dish in a limited way. Semolina will not bring any harm to schoolchildren. But with a number of diseases, this porridge is indispensable as a dietary dish.

Pediatrician E. O. Komarovsky speaks about the benefits and harms of semolina porridge for children:

A delicious dish is associated with the first feeding, kindergarten, lumps. Some people adore porridge even at a respectable age, others cannot stand it since childhood. Despite the inconsistency of opinions, the cereal is still often discussed along the way about the benefits and harms of semolina.

Small cereals are made from the kernels of wheat grains, where useful substances and energy donated by the sun are collected. The type of cereal presented on the packages with lettering depends on the content of starch and gluten.

1. T is an indicator of core hardness. Semolina is suitable for making desserts, added to soups.
2. M - means a high content of gluten, which is indispensable for the preparation of casseroles, viscous cereals.
3. MT - combined varieties.

Semolina: benefit or harm

Useful properties of semolina determines the chemical composition. There is little fiber in it, but in carbohydrates. Grains are rich in vitamins E, PP, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine. In favor of semolina speaks the fact of the content of minerals: calcium, zinc, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, iron, essential for the heart of magnesium, potassium. However, in quantitative terms, they are inferior to buckwheat and other cereals.

What to know

Carbohydrates and gluten are the main components that make it possible to judge the benefits and harms of semolina. There are plenty of them in cereals. Overweight people are sometimes allowed to treat themselves to a dish in the morning, if you do not use fatty milk as a basis, in the form of jam, nuts, butter. The calorie content and benefits of semolina do not depend on wheat groats (96 kcal / 100 g), but precisely because of products that sweeten the taste. Semolina porridge for adults will become useful if the cereal is boiled in water without ingredients that enhance gastronomic sensations. Otherwise, the calorie content will reach 320 kcal.

Harm of semolina

Any product can be both useful and provoke unpleasant symptoms. What is harmful semolina porridge for children is allergic reactions to milk, gluten. Vegetable protein sometimes leads to the development of celiac disease. It depletes the intestinal mucosa, which subsequently prevents the full absorption of nutrients. With the exception of negative reactions to protein and lactose, cereals are still considered a low-allergenic product.

There is a lot of discussion on the topic of phytin contained in cereals. Can semolina be useful for adults and children if it interferes with the absorption of calcium and iron? For a developing organism, a lack of calcium leads to rickets or spasmophilia, abnormalities in the functioning of the heart muscle. For these reasons, it is recommended to start complementary foods with vegetable puree. However, with a balanced menu, the same phytin increases appetite and strengthens the body during exhaustion. So, it is necessary to include more dairy products in the daily menu.

What are the benefits of semolina

In favor of semolina porridge for adults is the fact that the dish forms the basis of a therapeutic diet for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is included in the diet after surgery on the digestive organs, because one of the beneficial properties of semolina is the ability of the product to be quickly digested and absorbed into the intestines. In these cases, it must be boiled in water. The benefits of semolina are that it:

1. Envelops the stomach and helps in the restoration of the mucosa.
2. Relieves painful spasms in gastritis, soothes the irritated intestines.
3. Gently rids the body of mucus.
4. Differs in high digestibility.

These beneficial properties of semolina are indispensable during a protracted illness, because. the body receives the necessary energy, nutrients:

1. Folic acid is indispensable for the female body, and the usefulness of semolina porridge on water during pregnancy has been repeatedly proven.
2. In case of kidney diseases, a diet without proteins is often prescribed, and it is recommended to start the day with useful semolina porridge.

Useful properties of semolina

No matter how the proponents of proper nutrition scold the dish, the benefits of semolina porridge with milk are recognized in Tibetan medicine. Adults are strongly recommended to include it in the menu, because. calcium will contribute to the strength of teeth, nails, bones, hair. With constant use, it is easy to gain extra pounds, but this can be avoided if:

• change your taste habits;
• give up sugar and butter;
• add 1-2 tablespoons of wheat bran to it;

The benefits of semolina porridge in milk will be obvious. The number of calories will slightly exceed 100 kcal / 100 g, but will allow you to forget about snacking.

In bran, useful components are almost completely preserved. The processed cereal is poor in fiber, so the components from the grain shell will restore its deficiency and become an absorbent for the body. Cleansing will warn:

• development of oncology of the colon;
• the occurrence of hemorrhoids;
• increase the usefulness of semolina.

Bran will absorb water from the tissues, swell and, moving through the intestines, rid it of toxins. People in the period of exacerbation of the gastrointestinal tract of diseases should refuse to add dietary fiber so as not to irritate the mucous membrane.

What is useful semolina porridge for children

Children's doctors talk about the need for a growing body in a large amount of calcium, macro and microelements. For this purpose, it is recommended to eat up to 200 g of dairy products daily. The usefulness of semolina is that, in combination with milk, the child replenishes the reserves necessary for the development of the musculoskeletal system. There are many technologies for preparing cereal dishes, and if someone does not like viscous porridge, it can be replaced with casserole, pudding, add sour cream, cottage cheese with berries, ice cream as a sauce. And then semolina will benefit the body.

To preserve all the useful properties of semolina, it must be properly cooked. To begin with, the cereal should be washed. This will not only remove defective fragments, but will eliminate the prospect of lump formation. Semolina is added to the boiling liquid with active stirring. It is enough to cook for 6-7 minutes and leave on the stove for 5 minutes. Bon appetit!

Semolina- a product from childhood. There is hardly a person who was not fed semolina porridge in the first years of his life. Some children like it very much, while others have to literally shove it into their mouths. Yes, and experts disagree on the account of its usefulness.

Semolina- is it coarse wheat groats, which is ground to small particles, the diameter of which does not exceed? millimeter. Composition of semolina looks like this: carbohydrates - 73.5, proteins - 10.5, fats - 1. energy value - 328 kcal per 100 grams of product. It contains vitamin E and B vitamins. It also contains iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus.

What is useful semolina?

First of all, semolina is a dietary product. It contains a large amount of starch - about 70%. It also contains proteins, minerals and vitamins. And due to the fact that cereals are cooked literally within a few minutes (unlike other cereals), all useful components are preserved in it even after cooking.

Semolina has another plus - it contains very little fiber. In view of this, it is suitable for nutrition in the postoperative period, as well as during a period of severe exhaustion of the body, regardless of the causes of this condition. It can also be used by those who are on a protein-free diet, and in case of chronic renal failure, one simply cannot do without it.

Many doctors insist that semolina porridge brings invaluable benefits to children and it is difficult to argue with this. But you need to remember that while it is useful for children, it is not advised to feed it to babies.

Some believe that semolina is only useful for children and that adults do not have any sense other than satisfying taste perception. But actually it is not. It is proved that in adulthood it is no less useful to use it than in childhood.

The fact is that semolina acts very gently and when it enters the gastrointestinal tract, it envelops the surface of internal organs from the inside. Due to this action, it is recommended for diseases of the stomach and intestines. It is especially effective for spasms characteristic of gastritis and stomach ulcers, as it can soothe pain and improve well-being.

Even adherents of alternative medicine note benefits of semolina for teeth, muscles and bones. They note that this porridge helps to restore strength, and with chronic fatigue, using it can even improve the condition of the body. True, you should do this regularly and in moderation, because semolina is a rather high-calorie product and in order for it not to cause weight gain, you need to remember about moderation.

It is worth noting that semolina porridge is also unique in that you can add fruits, honey, jam, dried fruits, cinnamon, corn flakes, vanilla and many other additives to it. This allows me to make me diverse, tasty and at the same time useful.

Among other things, semolina is absolutely hypoallergenic, which means that anyone who is not allergic to milk can use it. The fact is that without it, semolina cannot be tasty.

Semolina porridge - contraindications and harm

But this product can still bring harm in addition to benefit. It is especially noticeable when used by children under three years of age. Therefore, it is recommended that this product not be included in the menu until this time is reached. Why?

The fact is that semolina has a lot of carbohydrates. And a number of studies have shown that it is very difficult for children in the first three years of life to digest these substances, since their body is simply not fully adapted to this. Also, each grain of semolina is covered with an invisible shell, in which gliadin is present. This is a harmful substance that kills the villi in the intestines, which are designed to absorb nutrients from incoming food and saturate the body with them.

Another harmful substance contained in semolina is phytin. Its action is to prevent the absorption of iron, calcium and vitamin D into the body. This is due to the fact that phytin contains phosphorus, and it, in turn, binds calcium salts. Therefore, if children often use semolina, then their body lacks the above elements.

Also gluten is present in semolina porridge - gluten, which is present in many cereals. With frequent use, it can thin the intestinal mucosa and thereby interfere with its normal functioning. In addition, a certain number of people have the so-called gluten intolerance - a hereditary disease.

And especially in severe form, it occurs in children aged six months to a year. But most often there is a mild gluten intolerance, which manifests itself in discomfort in the abdomen (pain, flatulence) after eating foods that contain this substance. Therefore, if a child complains of feeling unwell after eating semolina, then this should not be ignored. Perhaps what you cook for him is actually harmful.

According to some doctors, if a child eats semolina twice a day, then it is likely that he will develop spasmophilia or rickets over time. As for adults, such significant harm cannot be inflicted on their body., since they have a different need for vitamins, and their diet is more diverse, which means that much more useful substances enter the body than in the body of children.

As you can see, you need to be careful about the use of all products, even such harmless at first glance as semolina. Then nothing will threaten your health!

What are the benefits and harms of semolina porridge, what substances does the main component of the dish contain - cereals? The body needs nutritious food to produce enough energy, and semolina does a great job of this. Nutritionists do not agree on the importance of eating the product.

What is semolina

The popular name for this dish is "semolina", it is often prepared at home, in educational and medical institutions. What component is the basis of the recipe, what else can be prepared from it? Semolina is crushed wheat grains of medium grinding (0.25-0.75 mm). For processing, hard, soft wheat varieties or a combination of them (brands "M", "T" or "MT") are selected. Buying cereals is not difficult, it is inexpensive and is available in almost all grocery stores.

The benefits of semolina porridge were confirmed and refuted by experts, but what is the golden mean? You can use semolina for different dishes. It is compared with flour, so it is used to make cakes, casseroles, soufflés, cue balls, meatballs, pudding, and other dishes. Grain "M" boils very quickly, suitable for cooking porridge in water or milk. Types "T", "MT" are more appropriate for adding to minced meat, pies, casseroles. How much the body needs semolina porridge - everyone determines its benefits and harms for themselves, based on taste preferences.

Composition of semolina

Groats are recommended for mono-diets, dietary nutrition in the treatment of the stomach and intestines. What is contained in semolina? It is half composed of starch, and fiber in it is only 2%. This does not allow the use of cereals in the diet of people who cannot eat dishes with an increased amount of gluten. Groats can be of different structure due to the fact that different varieties of wheat are used for grinding grains.

What is useful semolina porridge, what substances are in its composition:

• vitamins of group B, E, PP;
• protein;
• potassium;
• iron;
• phosphorus.

All these substances are necessary for normal blood circulation, stable functioning of the nervous system. Thanks to vitamins, iron, potassium, good brain activity is ensured, a surge of energy, joints, bones and muscle tissues are strengthened.

Calorie content of semolina

In various sources, you can find conflicting information about the calorie content of semolina - about 123 or 326 kcal per 100 grams of product. Everything is connected with the type of use - 123 kcal in the finished dish, 326 kcal - per 100 grams of dry cereal. The taste of semolina porridge depends on the additives, the liquid on which it is prepared. If the cereal is boiled in water, then the energy value will be lower, and when using fatty milk, butter, jam, condensed milk, the number of calories will increase.

The benefits and harms of semolina

This type of cereal is the only one that is digested and absorbed in the lower intestine, therefore, passing through the intestines, it cleanses it of excess fat, mucus, and harmful substances. This process has a beneficial effect on the body, so porridge is recommended for use by patients who suffer from diseases of the stomach and intestinal system (pancreatitis, gastritis). It is also very useful for underweight people to eat porridge. What are the benefits and harms of semolina porridge?

It has a high content of gluten, which is good for adults, but dangerous in large quantities for babies. Croup thins the mucous membrane and provokes a decrease in intestinal absorption of nutrients. Semolina is not included in the list of high-calorie foods, although many believe that it contributes to the set of extra pounds. It's all about the additives to the dish: full-fat milk, jam, butter, condensed milk, jam, powdered sugar. The taste is significantly sweetened, but the calorie content becomes higher.

For adults

How harmful and useful is semolina porridge for adults? The rich chemical composition of the product indicates that semolina in reasonable quantities is beneficial to the body. Many vitamins, potassium, iron are useful for the work of the heart, vascular system, liver, and brain activity. Active substances help to increase hemoglobin and strengthen immunity. Thanks to calcium, teeth, bones, nail plates, hair are strengthened.

If a person has kidney pathologies, then using semolina on water, the body will not absorb proteins. Porridge for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract has a mild enveloping effect, it removes toxins, eliminates spasms, cleanses the intestines of mucus. There are a number of contraindications for which you can not eat porridge:

• with diabetes;
• increased fragility of tissues;
• gluten enteropathy;
• with bowel dysfunction.

During pregnancy

Women in position often want to diversify their diet, improve its quality. Semolina is quickly cooked and nutritious, so it satisfies hunger well. What are the pros and cons of eating semolina porridge during pregnancy? Benefit:

• completely digested by the intestines;
• replenishes energy reserves;
• has a balanced chemical composition;
• is a nutritious product;
• does not contain cholesterol;
• strengthens the heart and vascular walls.

What is harmful semolina for women in position:

• excessively high in calories if fatty or sugar-containing additives are used, which is fraught with swelling and manifestations of osteochondrosis;
• not possible with gluten intolerance;
• it is forbidden for diabetes and varicose veins;
• allergic reactions, diarrhea may occur.

For a child

Kids love cereals, because these dishes do not need to be chewed thoroughly, they are easily digested. The benefits and harms of semolina porridge for a child have been discussed by pediatricians for more than a year. Some experts recommend introducing it to a child from six months, believing that semolina helps children grow, and some do not advise giving semolina until three years old. If the baby is not gaining weight well, then semolina is useful for making cereals, casseroles. Be sure to monitor the child's susceptibility to a new product, not everyone is suitable for cereals with a high gluten content.

For the elderly

For people in old age, it will be more useful to use porridge on water, and not on milk. The benefits and harms of semolina porridge for the elderly are the same as for any other age. A significant plus is that the use of semolina from time to time is the prevention of cancer, strengthening the heart muscle, vascular walls and excellent prevention of blood diseases.

Semolina porridge for gastritis

During the period of an acute course of the disease, porridge is cooked on water, without adding salt, sugar, oil. It has a beneficial effect on the entire gastrointestinal tract of the patient, provided that there are no contraindications to the use of cereals. What is useful semolina porridge for gastritis:

• enveloping properties;
• healing of damaged tissues, erosions, ulcers;
• tightening microtraumas of the stomach;
• cleansing the body of harmful substances.

Semolina porridge for weight loss

Porridge lovers often wonder if semolina porridge is allowed when losing weight? It contains 70% starch, which increases its calorie content, and if it is prepared with milk, with sweeteners, then the energy value increases significantly. Therefore, the consumption of semolina porridge is recommended during therapeutic diets, with ailments of the gastrointestinal tract and slagging of the body.

Video: Useful properties of semolina

It can be found in the kitchen cabinet of almost any hostess. It is a necessary ingredient for many dishes: casseroles, cereals, puddings.

Despite such popularity of the product, few of us will be able to answer the question: why is semolina useful for human health? Nutritionists from all over the world are still arguing about the benefits and harms of semolina for our body.

In this article, we will talk about all the properties of this controversial product, its effect on human well-being, and also share simple recipes for making semolina.

What is semolina made from?

Semolina porridge - "food from childhood"

Semolina is a secondary product obtained by crushing refined wheat grains. The size of individual grain particles ranges from 0.2 to 0.7 mm. That is why, until the 19th century, semolina was mistaken for flour and used only as such.

Only at the beginning of the 19th century did they begin to cook porridge from semolina. But since its production was very expensive, only the wealthy sections of society could afford to eat the famous "Guryevskaya" porridge.

With the advent of Soviet power, semolina becomes available to the common population. It has been actively used, including for baby food.

Depending on the variety of wheat used, semolina can be of the following types:

• from soft wheat varieties (designation on the package "M");
• from hard varieties ("T");
• mixed type ("MT").

The cooking time depends on the type of cereal. Semolina category "M" quickly and well boiled soft. This variety is excellent for cooking cereals. Groats of categories "T" and "MT" require a lot of time to prepare. Semolina of these species is advised to use for those who want to lose weight.

Useful qualities of the product

Semolina - from wheat

Despite the fact that semolina is made from peeled wheat grains, it is very nutritious.

The energy value of semolina is 333 kcal per 100g of cereal. In cooked form, its calorie content is much less (80-100 kilocalories per 100 g).

Semolina saturates the body well and is well absorbed by it, which is especially important during the period of illness or after surgery.

Semolina contains a certain amount of vitamins and minerals that our body needs for normal functioning. These include:

1. vitamins of categories "B", "E";
2. niacin;
3. minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, etc.

Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B9 are involved in various metabolic processes of the body, affecting the functioning of the immune, endocrine, circulatory and nervous systems, as well as the condition of the epidermis, mucous membranes and connective tissue.

Vitamin E is responsible for the normal functioning of the heart, blood vessels and liver. Vitamin PP (niacin) takes part in all metabolic processes of our body.

This substance allows you to activate the digestive, cardiovascular systems, as well as control the amount of sugar and. The potassium contained in the cereal nourishes the myocardium, iron improves the formation of blood cells, and magnesium affects the nervous regulation.

Semolina contains a small percentage of fiber, so it does not create a burden on the digestive tract. It is digested and absorbed in the lower intestine. The dietary fibers that make up the product pass through the digestive system, cleansing it of accumulated toxins and toxins.

The nutrients included in semolina have a beneficial effect on the functioning of various systems of our body.

What is harmful semolina

Despite all the useful properties of semolina, it should be used with great care. It is necessary for patients to exclude it from nutrition.

Due to the high content of gluten, the product is not recommended for persons suffering from (gluten intolerance) and small children. Babies still have an underdeveloped digestive system, so eating semolina can provoke an allergic reaction.

In addition, phytin, contained in large quantities in cereals, interferes with the normal absorption of calcium and vitamin D by the body, which can lead to rickets, decreased immunity, and nervous disorders.

Is it possible to use semolina for those who want to lose weight

Semolina porridge is combined with fruits and berries

Nutritionists from all over the world cannot answer this question unambiguously. Some experts believe that it is possible.

To combat excess weight, there are several special diets based on the daily intake of semolina porridge for 5-7 days.

In this case, the porridge must be cooked on water, without oil, salt and sugar. 0.6 - 0.75 kg of semolina must be eaten in three visits, combined with allowed fruits and vegetables. But most nutritionists are inclined to believe that it is undesirable to use semolina when losing weight, since the “light carbohydrates” and high calorie content contained in it delay the process of getting rid of extra pounds. Therefore, for those who want to lose weight, it is better to temporarily remove this product from the diet or limit its intake.

The use of semolina porridge during pregnancy

Women who are expecting the birth of a baby need to carefully monitor their diet. Expectant mothers can use semolina porridge and even need it, since it:

1. very nutritious;
2. perfectly absorbed by the body;
3. restores energy reserves;
4. contains a certain amount of essential vitamins and minerals;
5. improves blood supply.

In this case, you should remember about the presence of contraindications. These include:

• gluten intolerance;
• diabetes mellitus, varicose veins;
• excess weight.

In addition, it should be remembered that the use of semolina during pregnancy can cause intestinal upset or constipation.

Recipes for making porridge from semolina

From semolina you can cook not only porridge

As mentioned above, semolina is used to prepare a variety of culinary masterpieces. But perhaps one of the most popular semolina dishes is semolina porridge.

It can be prepared with water, milk, and also with the use of various additional ingredients. Consider popular recipes for making semolina porridge.

On the water

The required amount of water is brought to a boil. Semolina (in a ratio of 1:10 to the volume of water) is poured into the liquid in a small stream. At the same time, the porridge is constantly stirred until it thickens.

Depending on your preferences, honey, berries, nuts are added to the finished dish, which will help improve the taste of porridge.

On milk

To prepare porridge you will need:

• 250 ml of milk;
• 4 tbsp. l. water;
• 4 tbsp. l. semolina;
• salt, sugar, sl. oil to taste.

Pour a few tablespoons of water into a bowl filled with cold water, then -. Bring to a boil. Add the required amount of salt, sugar and gradually pour the cereal into the milk.