Why does delaying breakfast increase the risk of mortality?
Considered the most important meal of the day, breakfast could be facing a new debate. Between those who value its benefits and those who practise ‘intermittent fasting’, questions about the first meal of the day are not limited to what we eat. They also include when we eat.
Nutritional myths are everywhere, but the truth is much more nuanced. Starchy foods, sugar, protein, oils… some common beliefs need to be revisited, as diet should above all be tailored to each individual’s needs.
According to a study conducted by researchers at Mass General Brigham (a hospital network in the Boston area) over nearly half a century, involving 3,000 adults aged between 42 and 94, people who eat breakfast earlier in the morning have a higher life expectancy than those who eat breakfast later (89.5% versus 86.7%). While the difference may seem modest, it has a considerable impact on public health, as CBS News points out.
Why is eating at regular times crucial for a long life?
Beyond mortality, this study shows that delaying the first meal of the day has various negative effects on health, such as fatigue, oral health problems, depression, anxiety and multimorbidity. These physical and psychological problems gradually deteriorate your overall health. At least for those who stay up late.
Put an end to nutritional abominations! The good news is that by stopping eating ultra-processed foods, their harmful effects will quickly disappear.
Encouraging adults to establish a routine with regular meal times could therefore be an effective strategy for reducing the risk of disease and enjoying greater longevity. Since a balanced diet does not depend solely on the quality of what we eat, researchers recommend including meal timing in public health guidelines.
