When you eat your first meal of the day could say more about your health than you realize. A new study found that people who ate breakfast later in the morning were slightly more likely to die early compared to those who ate earlier. Older adults who delayed breakfast also had more health problems, including depression, fatigue, dental issues, and poor sleep.
Researchers believe meal timing affects the body’s internal clock, metabolism, and even long-term survival. Each additional hour of delayed breakfast was tied to an 11% higher risk of death during the study period. While the increase was modest, experts say breakfast timing could be a simple marker of overall health in older adults.
Past research also shows that early breakfasts support heart health, blood sugar control, and weight management. While more studies are needed, these findings add weight to the idea that breakfast really is the most important meal of the day — especially for older adults.
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