A high-quality, hearty breakfast that provides 20-30% of the body’s daily requirement can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The study, which was conducted at the Del Mar Hospital Research Institute, tracked the progress of 383 participants in nutrition and cardiovascular health. The study involved people aged 55-75 who were overweight or obese. The researchers assessed risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as body weight, waist circumference, lipid profile, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood pressure and markers of diabetes.
The results showed that participants who got 20-30% of their daily energy from breakfast showed more favorable scores on a number of risk factors. They experienced more successful weight loss compared to those who consumed more or less energy in the morning. By the end of the study, their body mass index decreased by 2-3.5% and their waist circumference by 2-4%. Additionally, adequate energy intake at breakfast was associated with a 9-18% reduction in triglyceride levels and a 4-8.5% increase in HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. The remaining markers did not change so significantly.
The quality of breakfast also had a positive effect. Participants whose breakfasts were more nutritious had 1.5% lower waist circumference, 4% lower triglyceride levels and 3% higher HDL cholesterol levels.
Experts say that their study once again proves how much our diet affects our health, especially the condition of blood vessels and the heart. Breakfast is key to proper nutrition and should contain adequate amounts of protein, healthy fats, fiber and minerals such as potassium and iron, while avoiding excess sugar and saturated fat.