Due to strict schedules, a fast-paced lifestyle and being always on-the-go, people often neglect eating breakfast. They are not aware that the most important meal of the day has a lot of health benefits other than giving a boost of energy to start a long day at work or school.
Eating breakfast positively impacts energy levels, blood sugar levels, weight and the ability to be productive. Upon waking up in the morning, the blood sugar levels are naturally low, so eating a meal in the morning within an hour of waking is recommended. This helps the body from averting sugar crash.
"Breakfast is such an important meal, however many of us skip it," Chloe Miles, a registered dietician and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association said.
In the United States, studies have shown that less than 40 percent of Americans eat breakfast every day. Most people claim that their busy schedule leaves them with little time to eat meals in the morning. Aside from boosting energy levels to keep the body moving until lunch time, eating breakfast offers a lot of health benefits.
1. Promotes Brain Function
Eating breakfast helps maintain effective cognitive functioning. Studies show that eating breakfast among students made them score higher in math, reading and on standardized tests. In another study published in the American Society for Clinical Nutrition, the researchers found among children that skipping breakfast interferes with their cognition and learning. Breakfast consumption generally improves school attendance and improves the quality of students' diets.
2. Boosts Energy Levels
Skipping breakfast makes individuals struggle with a lack of energy. The body and brain need glucose, which comes from food eaten, to perform at their best throughout the day. During the night, the body goes to fasting since the last meal was hours away. Foods rich in fiber, vitamin C and vitamin D are important to help increase energy levels.
3. Prevents Weight Gain
Researchers found that people who skip breakfast are at higher risk of being overweight than those who eat meals in the morning. The National Weight Control Registry reported that eating breakfast is one of the most important practices people who lost weight shared in 2003.
People who skip breakfast tend to have dropped blood sugar levels. As a result, they become hungry and have less energy. This makes people eat snacks in the morning which are often high in sugar or fats.
4. Reduces Risk Of Stroke
A study by Japanese researchers found that skipping breakfast can increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The 15-year study shows that more than 1,000 participants who suffered from brain hemorrhage stroke were the ones who never ate breakfast. Many of the strokes happened early in the morning and those who ate breakfast had lower blood pressure readings than those who don't.
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