Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, providing the nutrition and energy needed to start a new day. Recently, the UK's Daily Mail published an article warning that long-term breakfast skipping can lead to a host of health problems.
1. Gastritis, Stomach Ulcers
The digestive system is the first to be harmed by skipping breakfast. Normally, food from the previous night is emptied from the stomach into the intestines after about 6 hours. If you skip breakfast and lunch the next day, stomach acid and various digestive enzymes will begin to "digest" the stomach's mucous lining. Over time, this normal function of the cells to secrete mucus is disrupted, which can easily lead to digestive system diseases such as gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers.
2. Gallstones
Researchers at the University of Texas in the US recommend eating a light breakfast and avoiding skipping it, even when rushing to work or oversleeping. This is because on an empty stomach, bile is more likely to become stagnant, which can easily lead to stones. A diet high in meat and sweets also increases the risk of gallstones due to high intake of fat and cholesterol. Excessive sweets can also promote insulin secretion, accelerating the deposition of cholesterol in the bile and forming gallstones.
3. Irregular Menstruation, Pelvic Inflammation
Many women who diet often skip breakfast, which can pose hidden risks to their reproductive health. Especially in winter, skipping breakfast can lead to a significant deficiency in the body's "heat" (energy), causing a cold constitution in women. This can constrict blood vessels in the pelvis, leading to ovarian dysfunction, which can cause light or irregular menstruation, and even amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
4. Colds
A recent study by British researchers on 100 students found that frequent colds and illnesses are more common in children who skip breakfast. Compared to those who skip breakfast, people who eat breakfast regularly, especially those who eat cereal, have fewer and milder colds.
5. Cardiovascular Disease
Catherine Collins, chief dietitian at St. George's Hospital in London, believes that long-term breakfast skipping can easily lead to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) depositing on the inner walls of blood vessels, causing atherosclerosis. Furthermore, scientists have conducted detailed studies on long-term breakfast skippers and found that their chances of suffering from conditions like myocardial infarction are much higher than those who eat breakfast regularly.
6. Bad Teeth
A recent study by American scientists showed that children aged 2-5 who often skip breakfast are more than four times as likely to develop cavities as those who eat breakfast. This is because children who don't eat breakfast often turn to snacks when they feel hungry. This can create a conditioned reflex of aversion or nausea towards breakfast. Furthermore, the high sugar content in snacks creates an environment conducive to cavities.
Breakfast is a must, and it should be a healthy one. A healthy breakfast should include skim milk, yogurt, or cheese (children under 3 should have full-fat dairy products) and grain products. This means it should include oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, fruit, or fruit juice.