Sunday, March 22, 2009

10 Good Reasons to Enjoy A Healthy Breakfast




Compiled by Rashun Jones RN




A large percentage of the population agree that breakfast is the most important
meal of the day. Yet many of us still skip this meal daily, with the usual excuses being lack of time or an aversion to eating food early in the morning.

By breaking this habit you could make a difference. You might also decide that breakfast is a good part of a healthy diet. That's really important because there is considerable evidence that diet can influence our risk of cancer, with estimates suggesting that one third of cancers could be prevented by changes in the diet. Here are 10 good reasons to enjoy a healthy breakfast. .

1. Energy: Energy levels are maintained and sustained by eating carbohydrate foods, which release their energy (glucose) slowly. Eat porridge or whole wheat toast.
2. Metabolism: Missing breakfast tends to slow down metabolism and makes it harder for the body to burn fat.
3. Weight: Eating a low fat, high carbohydrate breakfast is the best way to begin the day---it will kick start your metabolism which in turn will keep body fat levels under control.
4. Memory: The most consistent findings to date suggest that eating breakfast influences the process involved in the formation and retrieval of memories and in managing complex or challenging information. Breakfast achieves this through its ability to raise blood glucose levels, which makes sure brain cells are in top form.
5. Concentration and Alertness: Missing breakfast is an occupational hazard; research has shown a much lower incidence of work related accidents for people who eat breakfast. To boost concentration and alleviate tiredness the brain needs feeding to keep it satisfied and alert.
6. Hunger: Slow release carbohydrates induce a feeling of satisfaction and fullness, which prevents binging on hign fat and sugary foods.
7. Mood: The mood-food connection is often ignored: feeding your brain at the appropriate time such as first thing in the morning and with the appropriate nutrients ie. a high carbohydrate low fat breakfast will cheer you up!
8. Stress: Breakfast is a stress-buster! To help you get through the anxieties and problems of the day, eat foods rich in serotonin-enhancing carbohydrates and also B complex vitamins such as granary bread and oats, but avoid too much caffeine ( especially in the form of coffee), as this will only enhance nervousness and irritability.
9. Hydration: Load up on fluids by starting your day with water, fruit or vegetable juice and/ or weak tea-it is important to keep your fluid intake high: drink at least 2 liters (8 glasses) of fluid per day.
10. Immunity: Begin the day with foods rich in vitamins A and C, B vitamins and zinc. Include some of the following in your breakfast: citrus fruits, berries, melon, eggs, oily fish, wholegrain cereals, wheat germ and oats.

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