While the debate on whether breakfast is truly the most crucial meal of the day continues, there are ways to boost your morning health. Dr. Karan Rajan has highlighted a surprising food choice that can benefit gut health – and it happens to be quite tasty too, according to a recent finding.
A survey involving 2,000 individuals in the UK discovered that a significant portion, one-quarter to be exact, regularly skip breakfast. Reasons cited for this habit include a lack of variety, time constraints, and saving appetite for a larger midday meal. However, among those who do partake in breakfast, the majority find it enjoyable, with nearly half considering it the most crucial meal of the day.
Dr. Rajan, in a video shared on Instagram, supported the idea of croissants as a gut-friendly breakfast option. He explained that the healthy aspect of croissants lies in their traditional preparation, using a laminated yeast dough that undergoes slow fermentation. This process aids in breaking down starches and gluten, making the final product easier to digest compared to unfermented white bread.
Furthermore, Dr. Rajan pointed out that fermentation can result in the production of organic acids, which can enhance the glycemic response. He highlighted that allowing a freshly-baked croissant to cool before consumption leads to the formation of resistant starch, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria and promotes the production of colon-nourishing short-chain fatty acids like butyrate.
Dr. Rajan emphasized the benefits of butyrate in maintaining a healthy gut lining and reducing stress levels. He noted that enjoying foods like croissants mindfully can be more beneficial than consuming “perfect” foods under constant guilt, a sentiment echoed by dietician Annabelle Johnson, who recommended croissants for clients with diabetes due to their favorable fat-to-carb ratio.
Following a balanced diet is crucial for good health, as advised by the NHS. This includes consuming at least five portions of fruits and vegetables daily, basing meals on high-fiber starchy foods, incorporating dairy or dairy alternatives, including protein sources like beans, pulses, fish, and eggs, and staying hydrated. Excessive saturated fat intake can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease, so consulting a GP if unsure is recommended.
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.