Increase energy and performance by eating a good, healthy breakfast
Skipping breakfast frequently results in unhealthy snacking throughout the day and overeating at lunchtime. Skipping breakfast has been linked to health risks such as high blood pressure, unhealthy assortment of blood-fats, and obesity. Forbes magazine reported on a Harvard study of nearly 27,000 men, 45-82 years old over a period of about 16 years. Men who skipped breakfast were 27% more likely to experience a heart attack or to die as the result of coronary heart disease.
I spend a good half-hour preparing my breakfast in the morning, and since I have had a history of high blood pressure, a mini-stroke, high cholesterol and arthritis, I prepare oatmeal and as it cooks, add the following ingredients that I think might help. I do believe that food can be one of the most effective medicines.
The ingredients that I add are as follows, along with some of the benefits of each as researched on the Internet. The resulting concoction actually tastes delicious.
Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a rich source of soluble fiber which inhibits the body’s absorption of low-density lipoprotein LDL which is known as the bad cholesterol. It’s also full of antioxidants, and has been known to lower cholesterol and prevents hardening of the arteries and lowers blood pressure. It also gives the immune system a boost.
Flax seed: There’s some evidence that it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes but it owes its primary healthy reputation to three of them. It contains Omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects, Lignans, which have antioxidant qualities and fibre.
Bananas: Bananas are rich in potassium and are helpful for reducing strokes in regulating blood pressure. They are also rich in iron, and help promote hemoglobin production. They have been known to boost brainpower, soothes ulcers, lift your spirits, and promote bowel health, among other things.
Blueberries: Blueberries are laden with antioxidants and ranked number one of all the fruits. They fight off disease, reduce high blood pressure, improve memory, and even protect against colon cancer according to the literature. They’re also claims that they help preserve vision contribute to brain health, fight heart disease, and even promote urinary tract health.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon reduces LDL cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, and reduces pain linked to arthritis. According to some research, it even helps fight Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors and meningitis.
Honey: One of the oldest sweet airs on earth, honey has even been recommended by King Solomon in Proverbs when he said, “eat honey my son.” It contains flavonoids and antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease. Claims for the benefit of honey include reducing ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders, increasing athletic performance, reducing cost and throat irritation, regulating blood sugar, healing wounds and burns, and so on.
A mixture of cinnamon and honey is said to cure most diseases – everything from skin infections to colds and upset stomach. It is even said that tea made with honey and cinnamon powder when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age.
I know that my oatmeal – or porridge as my mother used to call it – is one ritual I have stuck to for many years, and I don’t have the urge to snack by mid-morning. It stays with me. I encourage people to seek out natural remedies for what ails them – not to ignore doctors’ prescriptions and advice – but to go further by becoming an expert on your own health needs.
And yes, when I checked my blood pressure this morning it was 118/72 – not bad for a man in his eighties. I had better see the doctor to see if I can reduce or eliminate my blood pressure medication.
I spend a half-hour cooking my breakfast each morning; but eating a nutritious morning meal will save you time in the long run. It makes up for any lost time by energizing both your body and brain and increasing your performance throughout the day.
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