Doctor warns popular breakfast is 'wreaking havoc' on your body
A top doctor has warned that a common breakfast choice can actually harm health by raising blood sugar levels and containing harmful chemicals. Dr Mark Hyman has urged people to stop 'falling for the marketing' when they fuel themselves in the mornin
In Ireland, many people begin their day with a bowl of cereal - but a renowned doctor has issued a stark warning about the potential dangers of this common breakfast staple.
Dr Mark Hyman, a bestselling author with over 3 million followers, has cautioned that some popular cereals - often seen as a quick and easy morning choice - could be doing significant harm to your health. According to Dr Hyman, these cereals, which are loaded with sugar, refined starches and artificial dyes, are not only detrimental to your blood sugar levels but could also contain carcinogenic chemicals.
His advice is to ditch the sugary cereals and opt for "real, whole foods" instead. He recommends meals like veggie-packed frittatas, avocado with eggs or chia pudding with berries - all of which he says stabilise blood sugar levels and provide your body with the necessary nutrients to fuel your day.
In a post on Instagram, Dr. Hyman explained: "Cereal companies want you to believe you’re making a healthy choice in the morning, but let’s call it what it really is: dessert for breakfast. Most cereals are loaded with sugar, refined starches, and artificial dyes that not only wreak havoc on your blood sugar but also come with a side of carcinogenic chemicals.
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"If you want to feel good and stay sharp, ditch the sugar and refined carbs for breakfast. Instead, reach for a veggie-packed frittata, avocado with eggs, or chia pudding with berries. These real, whole foods stabilize your blood sugar and fuel your body the way it’s meant to be fueled.
"It’s time to stop falling for the marketing and start eating for your health. Breakfast should be a launchpad for your day, not a sugar crash waiting to happen."
The question of whether breakfast cereals are truly unhealthy remains a contentious topic, Surrey Live reports. According to the NHS Eatwell Guide, starchy foods like cereals can be an important part of a balanced diet, providing essential nutrients like fiber, calcium, iron and B vitamins. However, choosing the right type of cereal is key.
Opting for wholegrain varieties, such as plain porridge with fruit, is recommended, while cereals that are high in sugar and artificial additives should be avoided.
The Irish Heart Foundation recommends not skipping breakfast. It advised: "Keep breakfast simple throughout the week; porridge topped with some chopped fruit, wholegrain varieties of cereal with reduced fat milk or reduced fat natural yogurt with fruit are all good options. Grab-and-go options can work well too well too – a simple glass of water and a piece of fruit is a good start to the day."
Despite the potential benefits of wholegrains, cereals marketed as "healthy" may still pose risks. For example, granola, which often seems like a wholesome option, can be packed with sugar and unhealthy fats. The average 60g serving of granola contains 270 calories and 12.3g of fat, with a significant portion of that being saturated fat. When combined with full-fat milk, the calorie and fat content rises even further.
Sugar-frosted cornflakes, too, are high in sugar and low in fiber, and they often contain added salt. These cereals can be nutritionally similar to sweetened cereals like chocolate rice cereals or honey-nut coated cereals, making them a poor choice for anyone trying to maintain a healthy diet.
Research supports Dr Hyman’s concerns. A 2014 systematic review found that high-fiber, whole-grain cereals are associated with a lower risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, cereals with high sugar content, such as pre-sweetened options, were linked to higher energy and sugar intakes in children, although no significant differences were found in body mass index (BMI) between different age groups.
Dr Mark Hyman’s advice to switch to whole foods is an important reminder to consider exactly what you're eating in the morning.
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