Multigrain toast vs oatmeal: Which is better for the gut? Harvard doctor ranks popular breakfast foods
Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, ranks common breakfast foods based on their impact on gut health, emphasizing scientific backing over trends. Multigrain toast and Greek yogurt score high due to fiber and probiotics, while sugary cereals and breakfast sausages rank low due to high sugar, processed content, and potential harm to gut bacteria and overall health.
Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. So what we consume holds a huge significance. It can reflect on the entire day's eating pattern, wellness, and mood. Eating healthy is crucial for overall health and also to keep diseases at bay.
So, what is a healthy breakfast according to you? Do you reach for a toast or breakfast sausages? Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, with over a million Instagram followers, has now ranked some of the most common breakfast foods based on their impact on gut health. 'This ranking is backed by science, not trends,' he stresses.
Multigrain toast
Multigrain toast is one of the popular breakfast options preferred by people across the world.
Dr. Sethi gives it an 8 out of 10. This is because multigrain toast has high fiber content and complex carbohydrates. When paired with nutrient-dense toppings like avocado or nut butter, the benefits multiply.
Instant oatmeal
(Pic courtesy: iStock)
Instant oatmeal may be convenient, but it often contains added sugars and fewer nutrients. The gut doctor has ranked it 6 out of 10. The pre-packaged flavours can negate potential gut health benefits.
Bagel
New Yorkers often prefer bagels for breakfast, but it has only scored a 5 out of 10 in the gastroenterologist's opinion.
This is because a bagel is made of refined flour, which has less fiber and can spike blood sugar. Whole-grain bagels are a better option if consumed sparingly.
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is a top breakfast choice, earning a 9 out of 10 from Dr. Sethi. Its high levels of live probiotics promote beneficial gut bacteria. This helps in digestion and boosts overall health. However, it is important to choose unsweetened varieties to maximize the benefits.
Steel-cut oatmeal
While on a grocery run, if you have oats on the list, reach for steel-cut oatmeal. Because it is a wholesome breakfast staple, it scored a 7 out of 10 from the doctor. It's minimally processed and has solid fiber content, which supports steady blood sugar and gut health.
Sugary cereals
No matter how tempting they are, sugary cereals are not a healthy breakfast option. Dr. Sethi has ranked it lowest at 1 out of 10. High sugar and low fiber content, such cereals, can starve beneficial gut bacteria, and also lead to gut issues.
Stay ready with these 7 essential medical gadgets as COVID cases rise
Breakfast sausages
Breakfast sausages are often enjoyed by thousands if not millions, thinking its loaded with protein. However, breakfast sausages have earned a 2 out of 10. This is because sausages are often highly processed and cured meat, raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They contain high saturated fat and preservative content, which can lead to inflammation and upset the gut microbiome.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Tasty but risky: The hidden health costs of viral food trends
Social media has revolutionized our relationship with food. From decadent desserts to sizzling street snacks, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have turned eating into a performance — more about aesthetics and entertainment than nutrition. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But beneath the glossy filters and tempting reels lies a troubling reality: these viral food trends are quietly impacting our health. As a general surgeon and robotic surgery specialist, I'm increasingly treating young adults for conditions once rare at their age — chronic heartburn, bloating, constipation, and even early-stage nutrient deficiencies. Here's what's happening: Eye-catching, gut-harming Many of these viral dishes are packed with salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Regular consumption can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease, hypertension, and early-onset diabetes — all for the sake of a few likes. Late-night binges spell trouble Trending videos that glorify midnight food runs ignore the digestive cost. Eating heavy, greasy, or spicy meals late at night disrupts the body's natural rhythms, triggers acid reflux, and encourages liver fat accumulation. Viral challenges, real dangers Oversized eating challenges and extreme spice contests may seem entertaining, but they carry serious risks — from abdominal pain and nausea to choking hazards and emergency room visits. Sugar Bombs in Disguise Rainbow desserts, bubble teas, and loaded milkshakes often deliver several days' worth of sugar in one sitting. Over time, this overload can quietly damage your liver and lead to insulin resistance. The harmful combo: Alcohol and fried meats This popular pairing may be a hit at parties, but it's a double whammy for your health. Together, alcohol and processed, fried meats promote inflammation and significantly raise the long-term risk of colorectal cancer. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Social media food trends may look exciting, but they rarely align with what your body actually needs. Occasional indulgence is okay — even enjoyable. But if these eating patterns become your norm, they can lead to serious, lasting health consequences. Choose wisely, eat mindfully, and remember: your gut deserves more than a moment of online fame. Dr Subbiah TS, Consultant, Institute of Robotic Surgery, Prashanth Hospitals, Chennai
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Active Covid-19 Cases Cross 5,000-Mark In India, Kerala, Delhi, Bengal Most-Affected
Last Updated: India's Covid-19 cases rise to 5,364 with 764 new cases and four deaths reported. Kerala remains the most affected state. News18 India's Covid-19 cases are on the rise again, with active infections reaching 5,364 as of Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry's latest data. In the past 24 hours, 764 new cases and four deaths have been reported. The fatalities include two in Kerala, one in Punjab, and one in Karnataka. All four patients were above 60 years of age and had co-morbidities. Since January this year, 55 deaths have been reported in the country. Kerala continues to be the most affected state, with over 1,600 active cases, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi. Given the rising cases, the Centre conducted mock drills to check hospital preparedness. Delhi reported 30 new Covid-19 cases, raising active infections to 592, with no new deaths since Thursday, keeping the total fatalities at seven since January 1. Maharashtra has seen a rise in Covid-19 cases, with 114 new infections reported on Friday, taking the state's total to 1,276 cases since January. Unfortunately, one more death was recorded, bringing the toll to 18. Pune (44 cases) and Mumbai (37 cases) reported the highest numbers, followed by Mira Bhayandar and Panvel with seven cases each. West Bengal reported 58 new Covid-19 cases and 91 recoveries in the last 24 hours. The total active cases now stand at 596, with the death toll remaining at one. Chhattisgarh has reported 50 new Covid-19 cases after conducting screenings in response to a surge in infections nationwide. Following the detection of a new variant, 1,183 people were tested, with a positivity rate of around 4.2%. Haryana has seen a rise in Covid-19 cases, with 31 new infections reported on Friday. Gurugram reported 9, and Faridabad 11accounting for the majority. Other cases were reported from Karnal, Jhajjar, Panipat, Yamunanagar, Hisar and Panchkula. The state currently has 87 active cases and a total of 151 cumulative cases. According to the officials, most cases are mild and managed at home. Scientists add that while Covid-19 is becoming milder, occasional surges may happen since the virus is now endemic and constantly evolving. They added that there is no cause for alarm. Hospitals nationwide conducted a mock drill to evaluate their readiness for potential Covid-19 cases on June 5, as directed by the central government. This exercise aims to ensure healthcare facilities are equipped to handle a possible surge in cases. The central government has directed all states to ensure adequate availability of oxygen, ventilators, isolation beds and essential medicines. Dr. Sunita Sharma, DGHS, chaired technical review meetings on June 2-3 with key health and disaster management agencies and state representatives. The meetings aimed to assess the current Covid-19 situation and review preparedness measures. In May 2023, the World Health Organization declared an end to Covid-19's status as a public health emergency. Today, health experts characterise the disease as seasonal, endemic, persistent, or localised to specific areas.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
‘Dipika Kakar underwent a 14-hour-long surgery, family started to panic,' husband Shoaib Ibrahim shares health update: ‘She's out of the ICU now'
After being diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer, actress Dipika Kakar underwent a 14-hour-long surgery to remove the tumour. Her husband and television actor Shoaib Ibrahim took to his YouTube channel to share her health update with her fans and followers on Friday night. In the seven-minute video, Shoaib shared Dipika is out of the ICU and is recovering in the hospital. Sharing details about Dipika's surgery, Shoaib said that the doctors removed a small portion of Dipika's liver because of the tumour. She also underwent a gall bladder surgery. 'Nothing to worry, as liver is an organ that can regenerate itself', he shared in the video. He also shared that after the surgery, Dipika had to stay in the ICU for three days. 'Dipika will stay in the hospital for another three to five days, as advised by doctors. The surgery was major, she was in OT for 14 hours. It was a difficult time,' he said. As the surgery went on for fourteen hours, it created panic among her family members. Shoaib shared, 'I was with Dipika till 8:30 am before her surgery started. At 11:30 pm, she was shifted to the ICU. Though the doctors informed me that the surgery would take time, post 6-7 pm, my family members and I started to panic. We had never experienced a long surgery such as this. It was normal to be a little scared.' In his video, Shoaib also said that Dipika was on liquid diet for three days after her surgery. 'Now, she is back to eating normal food. She has been showing great signs of recovery as she has started walking and her blood reports are also normal.' ALSO READ | Housefull 5 box office collection day 1: Akshay Kumar-starrer film makes more money than Sky Force and Kesari 2 together, earns Rs 23 cr At the end of the video, Shoaib revealed Dipika's tumour has been sent for biopsy and the report for the same will be out in a few days. The actor also thanked his fans for praying for Dipika and staying with them during their tough times. Speaking about their son Ruhaan, Shoaib said, he managed to stay away from his mother for three nights. However, he was brought to hospital to see his mother when he started to miss her post her surgery. On May 27, Dipika had taken to her official Instagram handle to share her diagnosis. Dipika shared a note that read, 'As you all are aware last few weeks have been quite difficult for us… walking into the hospital for a pain in the upper area of my stomach… and then finding out its a tennis ball size tumour in the liver and then finding out that the tumour is second stage malignant (cancerous)… it has been one of the most difficult time we have seen, experienced!' She added, 'I am all positive and determined to face this and walk out stronger Inshallah! With my entire family being by my side… and all the love and prayers pouring from all of you I will sail through this too!' Dipika, who was previously married to Raunak Mehta, tied the knot with her Sasrual Simar Ka co-star Shoaib Ibrahim in 2018. In 2023, they welcomed their baby boy, Ruhaan.
