A new study revealed that meal timing and planning can actually have an effect on the health.
A new study by the American Heart Association revealed that meal timing and planning can actually have an effect on the health, especially for coronary heart diseases.
Breakfast has long since been presented as one of the most important meals. And a new study goes to show just how true this old saying actually is. A team of American Heart Association researchers went to offer scientific evidence.
They were led by Marie-Pierre ST-Onge. She is a Ph.D. and Columbia University associate professor of nutritional medicine. Together with her team, she gathered existing scientific studies. They all targeted meal timing and planning and their effects on the body.
The studies sought to determine the effects of the various eating patterns. And also their time-effect relation. These were then compared to the risks of developing various diseases. Obesity, diabetes, MI, and CHD are just some of the targeted health issues.
St-Onge stated the following. “Meal timing may affect health due to its impact on the body’s internal clock.” Scientists have analyzed its effects in animal studies. They have offered food to animals whilst they were inactive. During sleep, for example, their internal clocks were seen to reset.
This can alter the nutrient metabolism. As such, it can result in various, quite significant changes. It could lead to weight gain. Or perhaps even insulin resistance. Still, St-Onge points out another fact. “More research would need to be done in humans before that could be stated as a fact”.
Meal timing, as well as planning, was noted to have an important role. By comparing previous and current study results, research reached the following conclusion. “People who consume breakfast on a regular basis have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Their studies showed the following. Meal timing is important as the body’s metabolism changes throughout the day. In the morning or at early hours, it can metabolize food better. In its turn, this can lower the risk of developing certain health issues.
The list includes high blood pressure and cholesterol. And also obesity. Coronary heart diseases could also be better avoided.
Meal planning is also an important element. Studies showed that spreading the meals can benefit the heart. This can also be explained quite easily. By spreading the meals, one also spread the calories. As the intake is lower, the body can also process them better.
“Consume a balanced diet, obviously, but if this can be done in the context of more frequent meals; during the waking hours, not so close to bedtime, and earlier in the day, that would be the ideal”.
The study advances the need for meal timing and planning. But it points out a perhaps even more important fact. People should avoid eating whilst or because of stress. They should also not eat because of boredom or fatigue. Late night snacks have been proven to be quite unhealthy.
“We suggest eating mindfully, by paying attention to planning both what you eat and when you eat meals and snacks to combat emotional eating.”
A healthy, early breakfast would be the best way to start. And according to the researchers, it should become a daily ritual. Studies show that in between 20 to 30 percent of the American adults skip their daily breakfast. This habit was associated with a poorer cardio health.
The present research was based on various studies. These nonetheless pointed towards a common fact. It is quite important to maintain a consistency. People should try meal timing and planning as it could improve their health.
“Although more direct translational research is still needed, these data suggest that intervening on meal timing and frequency may be beneficial.” “… patients may directly address poor dietary quality without the need to deal with calories restriction to promote weight loss.”
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