The word cereal derives from Ceres, the name of the Roman goddess of harvest and agriculture. Cereal is a grass cultivated for the edible components of their composed of the endosperm, germ, and bran. Cereal grains are grown in greater quantities and provide more food energy worldwide than any other type of crop they are therefore staple crops. In their natural form (as in whole grain), they are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, oils, and protein. Cereals are staple food of people in Asia, America, Africa, and of livestock worldwide. A large portion of major cereal crops are grown for purposes other than human consumption. Maize, wheat and rice together accounted for 87% of all grain production worldwide and 43% of all food calories.

The word cereal derives from Ceres, the name of the Roman goddess of harvest and agriculture. Cereal is a grass cultivated for the edible components of their composed of the endosperm, germ, and bran. Cereal grains are grown in greater quantities and provide more food energy worldwide than any other type of crop they are therefore staple crops. In their natural form (as in whole grain), they are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, oils, and protein. Cereals are staple food of people in Asia, America, Africa, and of livestock worldwide. A large portion of major cereal crops are grown for purposes other than human consumption. Maize, wheat and rice together accounted for 87% of all grain production worldwide and 43% of all food calories.