Skipping Breakfast Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Disease

It's estimated that 31 million Americans – about 10 percent of the entire U.S. population – doesn't eat breakfast, according to an NPD Group survey cited by the Huffington Post. One of the most common reasons cited for not eating breakfast is a lack of time.

When you're busy getting ready for work or school in the morning, you may not have time to prepare and eat breakfast. And while skipping breakfast may seem harmless, there's new evidence suggesting it could increase your risk of heart disease.

About the Study

According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, individuals who either skip breakfast or eat an unhealthy breakfast are more likely to develop heart disease than their counterparts who regularly eat a healthy breakfast. Researchers found that people who skip breakfast have an increased risk of developing hardened arteries (atherosclerosis). When the arteries harden, they become narrower while subsequently restricting the flow of blood. These effects ultimately increase the risk of stroke and other forms of heart disease.

For the study, researchers analyzed data on more than 4,000 men and women, all of whom were followed for six years. Roughly 20 percent of the study's participants consumed a high-energy breakfast, while 70 percent consumed a low-energy breakfast. About 3 percent either skipped breakfast or consumed a very small breakfast. Not surprisingly, this group had the greatest risk of developing heart disease.

“People who regularly skip breakfast likely have an overall unhealthy lifestyle," explained study author Valentin Fuster,. "This study provides evidence that this is one bad habit people can proactively change to reduce their risk for heart disease."

Breakfast Tips

Of course, not all breakfasts offer the same nutritional value. Processed, sugar-fortified cereal, for instance, offers minimal nutritional value. A better choice of breakfast is a couple scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast and a side of fresh fruit.

Yogurt is another excellent breakfast food. Assuming you choose a low-fat variety, such as Greek yogurt, it can help you start your day on the right foot. Yogurt contains healthy concentrations of protein, calcium, vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin B12 and more. Best of all, yogurt is something you can grab and eat on the go.

The bottom line is that you shouldn't skip breakfast because it really is the most important meal of the day.