We've probably all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but when it comes to children, this may actually be true.
Strangely, according to the Dairy Council of California, "[93] percent of Americans agree that breakfast is the most important of all meals, but a third of our kids still show up at school with no fuel in the tank."
So whether we are parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or we have children in our lives in another capacity, it is absolutely vital that we make sure they are sitting down for breakfast. I had my doubts about the true importance of the meal before, but these health benefits have got me totally convinced!
Scroll through below for a look at eight unbelievable ways that breakfast benefits kids' health. Who knew that a single meal each morning could help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure later in life and boost brain power now?
The next time my nieces and nephews come to visit, I will most definitely be making them a proper breakfast. They may just thank me when they're all grown-up!
Is Breakfast The Most Important Meal Of The Day?
In this fast-paced world, it can be difficult to make time for breakfast.
But it is, in fact, vital to the health of growing boys and girls that they sit down for this meal at the start of every day.
Is it the most important meal? Well, at the very least, breakfast promotes a whole host of health benefits that are sure to put your kids on the path to being strong and healthy adults!
Benefit #1: Boosts Brain Power
Eating a daily breakfast helps to activate a child's brain in a way that increases their learning capabilities, leading to improved long-term brain power.
According to NPR, "Dozens of studies from as far back as the 1950s have consistently shown that children who eat breakfast perform better academically than those who don't."
Breakfast is definitely a recipe for success for kids in school and beyond.
Benefit #2: Regulates Weight
It might seem like skipping meals will help regulate weight, but the opposite is actually true.
Kidshealth.org writes, "Breakfast also can help keep kids' weight in check.
"Breakfast kick-starts the body's metabolism, the process by which the body converts the fuel in food to energy. And when the metabolism gets moving, the body starts burning calories."
Benefit #3: Controls Blood Pressure
It may seem premature to worry about blood pressure in kids, but breakfast can actually affect this all-important part of their health years down the line.
The National Health Service says, "Eating breakfast has long-term health benefits. It can reduce… high blood pressure."
Benefit #4: Improves Mood And Energy
According to the Dairy Council of California, "A recent review of 36 studies comparing kids who eat breakfast to those who don't found that eating breakfast has nearly universal benefits on kids' behavior."
This includes boosting their mood (making them more pleasant to be around) and their energy levels (keeping them going strong at school and at home).
Benefit #5: Aids In Digestion
We all know that diets high in fiber can be good for our body's digestion. But it just so happens that breakfast is the perfect time of the day to absorb this all-important nutrient.
Food expert Amy Hendel tells Today's Dietician that "breakfast can be the perfect vehicle for fiber, of which Americans don't get enough…
"Recommending breakfast as a healthy habit… You have a far better chance at achieving fiber goals."
Benefit #6: Battles Diabetes
A recent study of women shows the link between breakfast and the development of diabetes in people of all ages.
Live Science writes, "Skipping breakfast may increase a woman's diabetes risk, according to a study published this month in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
"Women who ate breakfast an average of zero to six times per week were at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than women who ate breakfast every day."
Benefit #7: Improves Heart Health
Want your kids to have a healthy heart? Breakfast is a good place to begin.
According to Live Science, a recent study showed that "eating breakfast was associated with a lower incidence of heart disease.
"The study also found that skipping breakfast was associated with hypertension, insulin resistance, and elevated blood sugar levels."
Benefit #8: Encourages Muscle Growth
Children are constantly growing, and so it's important to keep their muscles as healthy and strong as possible.
Breakingmuscle.com cites numerous athletes who use breakfast as a way to promote muscle growth. If it's good enough for sports stars, it's definitely good enough for our kids!
Did you grow up eating breakfast every day? Do the kids in your life always sit down for this all-important meal? Let us know in the comments.
Please SHARE this vital information with anyone who has a child in their life!
