“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” has been used repeatedly to motivate others to eat breakfast. Is breakfast really the most important meal? Research is being conducted to put this claim to the test. Topics of research include how breakfast influences eating habits throughout the day, how breakfast affects hormone levels within the body, and how breakfast can contribute to overall health and wellbeing. Arguments have been made refuting the idea that breakfast is the most important meal. Research is currently being conducted that support both sides of the argument. College students are at a critical point in life where the level of independence has significantly increased; the decision of whether or …show more content…
Hormones are only one factor known to contribute to appetite; these hormones are often released in the morning after waking (Ivy). Ghrelin is one example (Consumer Reports). Consuming food in the morning suppresses those hunger inducing hormones reducing one’s appetite. Other hormones are present that affect the uptake of glucose from the blood stream and the release of glucose into the blood stream. Glucose is fuel for the cells of a body. The body cannot function without it; therefore, the level of glucose present in the body is closely monitored. Insulin is the hormone that allows for cells to take in glucose. A study was conducted in 2014 to evaluate glucose levels in people who skipped breakfast versus people who ate …show more content…
This means a steady supply of glucose was present in the blood for the cells of the body. The breakfast skipping group was noticeably different. A large spike is present after 1:00. Multiple dips in blood glucose levels were also present. Dips in blood glucose levels result in loss of energy and ability to concentrate. Such dramatic increase and decreases in blood glucose levels are concerning, because a large amount of glucose in the blood results in a high demand of insulin. Such large demands can overwork the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing insulin (Consumer Reports). Habitual overworking of the pancreas can eventually lead to pancreatic failure which is known as diabetes (Consumer Reports). It is easier on one’s body to maintain a consistent level of glucose in the bloodstream to prevent over stressing of the