American Heart Association Determines: This Is The Most Important Meal Of The Day

Meal timings can affect weight and reduce the chances of heart disease – this is according to an official document by the American Heart Association, published in "The Washington Post."

This document was developed by an advisory committee of doctors and researchers who specialize in heart diseases and nutrition. The decision to compile the document stemmed from alarming data indicating a significant rise in recent years in obesity, diabetes, and heart disease rates. The conclusion is clear: It's not only the number of calories in the food that contributes to these issues, but also the timing of meals.

According to the position paper published, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The explanation: During sleep, the body's energy and sugar levels drop. A suitable breakfast replenishes these deficiencies and allows the body and brain to function properly. Skipping this meal harms the body and increases the likelihood of developing diabetes.

Professor Marie-Pierre St-Onge, chair of the American Heart Association, explained that "20%-30% of Americans do not eat a traditional breakfast. This rate is still growing and correlates with the rise in obesity rates. Recently, a study found that among two-year-old infants who consumed breakfast cereals, there was a 31% lower chance of suffering from overweight or obesity compared to those who did not eat breakfast."

The American Heart Association also recommends avoiding nighttime eating. According to recent studies, people who tend to eat at night suffer from obesity, chronic inflammation, and metabolic issues much more than those who consume the same amount of calories but eat during the day. Another study points out that men who wake up in the middle of the night and snack have a 55% higher chance of developing heart disease compared to men who do not eat at night.