The most important meal of the day indeed

This study evaluated the relationship between frequency and quality of breakfast consumption and the risk of metabolic conditions.

When regularly skipping breakfast, the normal metabolism of the body begins to change. For example, the body stores more energy in fat, and the resistance to the hormone insulin (which decreases blood sugar levels) rises. Regular breakfast consumption has been shown in several studies to reduce the risk of multiple risk factors such as hypertension (high blood pressure), weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. The combination of these risk factors is often referred to as metabolic syndrome. However, studies recently published regarding the association of breakfast to the risk of metabolic syndromes have not addressed the frequency or the quality of breakfast intake.

Researchers analyzed data from 3,598 participants, evaluating their breakfast and dietary habits. 43.2 % of participants reported infrequent breakfast intake (0-3 days a week), 21.7% reported eating breakfast frequently (4-6 days a week) and 35.1% of participants reported eating breakfast daily (7 days a week).

Compared to infrequent breakfast eaters, frequent breakfast eaters and daily breakfast eaters each had a significantly lower risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension. The risk of hypertension was found to be reduced by 10% in frequent breakfast eaters and by 16% in daily breakfast eaters. The risk of metabolic syndrome was found to be reduced by 11% in frequent breakfast eaters and by 18% in daily breakfast eaters. The risk of obesity was found to be reduced by 15% in frequent breakfast eaters and by 20% in daily breakfast eaters.

Furthermore, researchers found no evidence that the relationship between breakfast frequency and metabolic risk changed according to diet quality.

This study concluded that regular breakfast consumption (more than 3 days a week) significantly reduces the risk of developing metabolic conditions, regardless of breakfast quality.

Consult with your physician regarding the benefits of regular eating habits in the management of hypertension.