Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Researches on the effect on cognitive function, health and obesity are still unsufficient, say researchers.

Reduction of breakfast calories reduces overall daily energy intake

According to Schusdziarra and colleagues 2011 increasing breakfast calories is associated with greater overall energy intake. The increasing ratio of breakfast to total daily energy intake was associated with a significant reduction of overall intake when post-breakfast energy was significantly reduced. The authors stress that breakfast calories have the strongest influence on daily energy intake. They recommend overweight and obese subjects should consider the reduction of breakfast calories to reduce their body-weight.

Daily breakfast consumers are less overweight, have improved cognitive functions and health

A review by Rampersaud and colleagues 2005 stresses children which eat breakfast regularly have also a healthier dietary habits compared with breakfast-skipping children. Breakfast eaters consumed more daily calories but less overweight cases were reported. Breakfast consumption may improve memory, test grades, school attendance, health and well-being, according to some studies.. The authors strongly recommend the daily consumption of breakfast consisting of a variety of foods, especially high-fibre and nutrient-rich whole grains, fruits, and dairy products.

Breakfast improves school achievement of children with compromised nutritional status

Breakfast is linked to healthier macro- and micronutrient intakes, BMI and lifestyle and improved cognitive function. Daily breakfast is therefore better than skipping it., but this is only in evidence in children with compromised nutritional status. Hoyland, Dye and Lawton 2009 say there are little studies on this matter and no studies were made with adolescents and make recommendations for future research design and policy priorities.