A study published in the journal Food and Humanity (FH) found that a breakfast rich in sugar and fats can negatively impact overall well-being and cognitive abilities in the morning hours. Scientists conducted experiments involving young women, who were offered either a balanced breakfast or a calorie-dense sweet and fatty meal on different days.
The results of the experiment showed that after consuming sweet and fatty food, the participants experienced increased drowsiness and faced difficulties in performing tasks that required planning and switching between different activities. These cognitive functions are directly related to attention, learning ability, and overall productivity. In contrast, a balanced breakfast contributed to increased energy and alertness shortly after eating.
Physiological data confirmed the findings: a breakfast high in fats and sugars activated the "rest mode" in the nervous system. This led to a decrease in heart rate and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which typically predominates in a resting state. While such an effect may be beneficial in the evening, it becomes a hindrance to mental activity in the morning hours.
The authors of the study note that their work is short-term in nature but emphasize the importance of breakfast choices. According to the researchers, a morning ritual that includes sweet pastries and fatty foods may subtly worsen overall mood, reduce concentration levels, and potentially negatively affect performance, especially among women.
