Elena Fernandez

The idea that breakfast should be the most important meal of the day is reaffirmed more than ever with the results of a new study, which concludes that skipping breakfast may increase the risk of heart disease, according to a study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

The researchers analyzed data from food frequency questionnaires and health outcomes achieved for 16 years (1992-2008) of 26,902 male health professionals (45-82 years). Men who reported that they skipped breakfast had a 27% increased risk of heart attack or death from coronary heart disease than those who reported they didn´t.

The profile from non breakfast eaters is: younger, more likely to smoke, employed full-time, single, performed less physical activity and alcohol drinkers. In my opinion, skipping breakfast is another bad habit linked to a risky and unhealthy way of life. A dangerous cocktail that moved and shaken can led you easily to the Emergency Room.

Men who eat late at night (eat after going to bed) had a 55%  increased risk of coronary heart disease than those who did not. However, the authors were not very convinced that this is an important public health problem because few men in research reported this behavior.

During the study, 1,572 men suffered cardiac issues. “Skipping breakfast can lead to one or more risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, which can lead to a heart attack at the time,” said Leah E. Cahill, director of the study and postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health of Harvard University in Boston.

“Eat a good breakfast every day – advised Cahill -. Incorporate many kinds of nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. For example, the addition of nuts and chopped fruit in a bowl of cereal or oatmeal in the morning is a great way to start the day. ”

A Mediterranean breakfast is a great alternative to Dr. Cahill suggestions: toasted bread with olive oil, light cheese or ham, a squeezed orange juice and a latte is the best and tasty way to begin your daily routine.

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