Consuming breakfast at the right time could potentially extend your lifespan, claims extensive research
In a pioneering study, a team of researchers, led by Dr. Hassan Dashti, a nutrition scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General Brigham, have discovered a potential connection between consuming breakfast later in the morning and poorer health outcomes, including an increased risk of premature death, in older adults.
The study, which tracked 2,945 participants over an average of 22 years, found that those who typically ate breakfast later in the morning had a lower 10-year survival rate compared to earlier eaters. On average, participants consumed breakfast around 8:20am.
The findings are significant given the rising trend of intermittent fasting, where individuals often delay their breakfasts due to extending their fasting window. Encouraging older adults to maintain consistent meal schedules could become part of broader strategies to promote healthy aging and longevity.
Dr. Dashti noted that later meal timing, particularly delayed breakfast, is associated with health challenges and increased mortality risk in older adults. Participants who pushed their breakfast closer to 9am or beyond were more likely to report issues such as depression, fatigue, and poor oral health.
However, it's crucial to note that the study did not provide information on whether the observed health issues were directly caused by delayed breakfast or if there were other contributing factors. The study also did not explore the role of other lifestyle factors, such as exercise, sleep patterns, or stress management, in relation to meal timing and health outcomes.
The researchers observed a trend of people shifting breakfast and dinner to later in the day, while compressing their eating into a shorter daily window. The study did not discuss the potential benefits of intermittent fasting for older adults beyond the timing of meals. Similarly, it did not specifically mention the impact of intermittent fasting on younger adults.
The scientists found that participants genetically predisposed to 'night owl' behavior, who wake up and go to bed later, also tend to eat their meals later. The study did not investigate the effects of specific foods or diets, but focused on the timing of meals.
The study's authors, which include Dr. Hassan Dashti and a research team from the University of Manchester, published their findings in the journal 'Communications Medicine'. While the observational study doesn't prove that delaying breakfast causes health problems or early death, it suggests a possible link.
The study also suggests that changes in when older adults eat, especially the timing of breakfast, could serve as an easy-to-monitor indicator of their overall health status. Dr. Dashti stated that the results of the study add new significance to the saying that 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day', especially for older individuals.
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