Breakfast earned the reputation of being the most important meal of the day in the 1960s. The rationale was that it was the day’s first meal after a night-long fast.
Traditionally believed to be the most important meal of the day, breakfast was thought to energise the body at the beginning of the day. Having breakfast has also been linked to weight loss.
While opinion is divided among nutritionists on the importance of breakfast, a recent study of 30,000 adults found that 15% of the participants regularly skipped breakfast.
Those who support skipping breakfast say that if a person can take in nutrients during other meals, breakfast may not be as important as believed.
Those who eat breakfast pay more attention to their nutrient intake, are physically active and manage stress better, it is felt. But this suggests that it is lifestyle that contributes to better health, not eating breakfast.
Studies in favour of breakfast
A 2021 review of 14 studies found that those who eat breakfast seven times a week have a reduced risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and stroke.
Another analysis shows that those who skip breakfast may be deprived of important nutrients like folate, calcium, iron, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and D.
In another study it was found that those who skipped breakfast experienced larger increases in blood glucose sugar after eating. The authors of the study felt that breakfast is vital to keep the body’s internal clock running on time.
In conclusion, listening to your hunger cues when you wake up and eating breakfast is important. However, you don’t need to feel guilty about skipping breakfast occasionally. Fitness professionals or athletes who train early in the morning may need to have breakfast.
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