The term cereal is a derivative from Latin word 'cerealis' meaning 'grain' which is
botanically, a type of fruit called a caryopsis, composed of the endosperm, germ,
and bran. The cereals are annual common grass members of the grass family (a
monocot family Poaceae, also known as Gramineae), which usually have long,
thin stalks such as wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, millet, barley and rye, whose
starchy grains are used as food. The term cereal is not limited to these grains, but,
also refers to foodstuff prepared from the starchy grains of cereal like flours,
bread and pasta.Cereals in their natural form (as whole grain) are rich source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, oils and protein. Also, such cereals are chosen for
consumption and they have the higher fiber which is an important nutrient that
helps to prevent weight gain and heart disease.