Health and Nutrition
Breakfast Mistakes That Harm Your Health
From sugary granola to processed meats, learn which common morning foods to avoid- and what to eat instead for better long-term health
- Yitzhak Eitan
- פורסם כ"ב טבת התשפ"ה

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Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist from California, explains that poor breakfast choices can negatively impact long-term health. According to him, many people start their day with foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats, leading to significant nutritional deficiencies. Among the breakfast options he recommends avoiding are processed cereals, sugar-loaded granola, white flour pancakes, and donuts.
Dr. Sethi points out that many popular breakfast cereals contain harmful additives like artificial colors and preservatives, which have been linked to various health conditions. He specifically mentioned products from Kellogg's, which have faced public backlash and protests over recent years.
Although granola is often marketed as a healthy option, many dietitians have labeled it a “sugar trap.” As for processed meats, Dr. Sethi highlights their link to certain types of cancer and warns about the dangers of cooking at high temperatures, which can create harmful compounds.
While widely loved, pancakes can cause sharp spikes in blood sugar- especially when made from refined white flour. He recommends choosing whole wheat or almond flour versions instead. Donuts, being highly processed, pose even greater health risks and are associated with cancer and metabolic diseases. Recent studies have shown a clear link between the frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods and increased disease risk.
As Dr. Sethi cautions, your breakfast choices matter. Opting for natural, whole foods in the morning can have a profound impact on your overall health.