BARCELONA: Skipping breakfast can lead to higher prevalence of obesity, risk of diabetes, and metabolic conditions, a report reveals.
Breakfast which sets the tone of one’s day routine is far more than just a meal and is actually a base for the body’s vibrancy as well as long-term health.
Most people don’t know that the quality of breakfast consumed might be the key to combating cardiovascular disease while everyone is aware that a good breakfast gives you the energy you need to get through your day, report said.
Experts at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute investigated the connection between breakfast quality and heart health in a recent study.
At least 383 participants were targeted by the researchers in the PREDIMED-Plus project. To examine the impact of a Mediterranean diet along coupled with physical activity on heart disease – compared to the impact of dietary recommendations alone, was the goal of the project.
“Breakfast is a pivotal meal because it breaks the longest fasting time in the day. According to dietary recommendations, an adequate breakfast provides 20–25% of energy intake,” wrote the study authors.
They added: “Skipping breakfast has been associated to higher prevalence of obesity, risk of diabetes, and metabolic conditions. On the contrary, eating breakfast has been associated with a better quality of the whole diet.”
The study revealed that participants who consumed 20-30% of their daily energy intake at breakfast experienced notable health benefits.
Additionally, they had more favourable changes in body weight compared to those who consumed either more or less energy in the morning.
For optimal benefits, a healthy breakfast should prioritise proteins, healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals such as potassium and iron, while minimising added sugars and saturated fats.
