Many studies regarding food and nutrition emphasize the significance of having a meal after waking up is the best decision ever. Why is it said that skipping breakfast is a bad habit? is it necessary to have food the first thing after cleaning up in the morning? Why breakfast is called ‘the most important meal of the day?’
Well, to know the answer to all these questions let’s read further as to why breakfast is important:
Breaking the fast
Yes! Breakfast literally means breaking the fast held from the meal had last night till the next morning, and this is the longest time span without having food.
During these hours your liver breaks down glycogen and releases glucose in your bloodstream which is needed for your brain to function. This normally works for 12 hours and after that when the liver uses fatty acids to do the same, this is not sufficient to provide enough energy for your brain and body to function.
Hence, it is necessary to break that fast and has food within two hours of waking up in the morning, so your body is provided with energy.
Maintain weight
Studies have found that people who regularly have breakfast are less likely to be obese or overweight. It is because their glycogen levels balanced, unlike people who do not have breakfast.
This helps in controlling appetite and eat less unhealthy food as you move forward with the day.
It’s effective to maintain that waistline you want!
Nutrients and Vitamins
Breakfast food usually has items that are rich in iron, B vitamin, fiber, calcium, and other minerals. Your body needs all of these for your metabolism to work actively.
1 cup of yogurt contains 300-400 mg calcium.
A cup of milk (nonfat, 2% whole or lactose reduced) has 300 mg calcium
A cup cereals have 3.4 mg of iron on an average
Eggs are a great source of protein and have essential vitamins like pantothenic acid (B5) and cyanocobalamin (B12) and protein good for muscles.
Did You Know?
One small bar of dark chocolate has 5.38 to 10.12 mg of iron. Why not add a bit of dark chocolate for breakfast and call it a win!
Less risk of Diabetes
A regular habit of having breakfast can prevent or lessen the risk of getting by type 2 diabetes.
You tend to eat more in the morning after the long hours of not eating anything at all and this helps to balance the insulin level.
Otherwise, your insulin release will be in havoc most of the time increasing the chances of diabetes.
Studies held for breakfasts have discovered that people who do not have breakfast regularly, have a 21% more risk of getting diagnosed with diabetes than the ones who have breakfast.
Improves Brain and Physical Performance
Struggling to concentrate on your work especially in the mornings? It could be because your body is low on energy and hence your brain is not able to focus.
Nutrients and minerals you get from breakfast give your brain the energy it loves to consume and function.
So, have a good a.m. bowl and get ready to rock your day!
Some good breakfast foods:
- Eggs are the best means of protein and vitamins you need in the morning
- Nourishing yogurt. Perhaps add some nuts for extra crunch and fruits for more minerals and taste.
- Milk- is the best source of calcium
- Whole-grain bread and cereals and oatmeal
- Coffee makes an amazing mood improver and increases metabolic rate.
Bottom Line
Whether you can have a heavy breakfast or a glass of orange juice; eating some healthy food rich in minerals and vitamins has many benefits and it is not rocket science to understand this. Breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day.
Thanks.
