Heart health begins at breakfast: Doctors reveal ideal time to eat it
The best time to eat breakfast, according to doctors (Photo: Magnific)
Dietitians and nutritionists have long stressed the importance of eating a high-protein, high-fiber breakfast. Now, experts say that the exact time you eat breakfast could be a key factor in managing your cholesterol levels.
Daily Mail explains the best time to eat breakfast.
Why breakfast matters
Starting your day with a balanced meal is essential for heart and cardiovascular health. Eating early helps control hunger and significantly reduces the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods or overeat later in the day.
Research shows that making breakfast a daily habit can have major health benefits. Skipping breakfast has been linked to higher levels of unhealthy cholesterol.
Millions of people have cholesterol levels that exceed healthy limits. Over time, excess cholesterol can build up in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. This greatly increases the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
The best breakfast foods for lowering cholesterol
To maximize the health benefits, experts recommend choosing plant-based foods. Fresh fruit, whole-grain oatmeal, nuts, and seeds are among the best options.
These foods are rich in soluble fiber, which binds to cholesterol in the digestive system and helps prevent it from entering the bloodstream.
Dietitian Deborah Murphy says breakfast should be eaten as early as possible. Fellow nutrition expert Veronica Rose agrees, recommending eating within two hours of waking up. She explains that an early breakfast helps prevent overeating and reduces the likelihood of unhealthy snacking throughout the day.
Regularly eating breakfast may also lower the risk of obesity, improve blood sugar control, and boost concentration at work.
A large study involving more than 37,000 adults found that people who regularly skipped breakfast had 10% higher blood fat levels and a significantly worse cholesterol profile overall.
Fresh fruit in the morning provides essential vitamins and minerals, while whole-grain toast delivers B vitamins that support heart health. Experts also advise avoiding sugary doughnuts and other store-bought pastries.
These foods are packed with saturated fats that can cause unhealthy cholesterol levels to rise.
To maximize the benefits, doctors also recommend adding regular morning exercise to your routine. For optimal heart health, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
