Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2013 | Debate
Breakfast: a multidisciplinary approach
Authors:
Antonio Affinita, Loredana Catalani, Giovanna Cecchetto, Gianfranco De Lorenzo, Dario Dilillo, Giorgio Donegani, Lucia Fransos, Fabio Lucidi, Chiara Mameli, Elisa Manna, Paolo Marconi, Giuseppe Mele, Laura Minestroni, Massimo Montanari, Mario Morcellini, Giuseppe Rovera, Giuseppe Rotilio, Marco Sachet, Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti
Published in:
Italian Journal of Pediatrics
|
Issue 1/2013
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Abstract
Background
The role of breakfast as an essential part of an healthy diet has been only recently promoted even if breakfast practices were known since the Middle Age. The growing scientific evidences on this topic are extremely sector-based nevertheless breakfast could be regarded from different point of views and from different expertises. This approach, that take into account history, sociology, anthropology, medicine, psychology and pedagogy, is useful to better understand the value of this meal in our culture. The aim of this paper was to analyse breakfast-related issues based on a multidisciplinary approach with input by specialists from different fields of learning.
Discussion
Breakfast is now recommended as part of a diet because it is associated with healthier macro- and micronutrient intakes, body mass index and lifestyle. Moreover recent studies showed that breakfast improves cognitive function, intuitive perception and academic performance. Research demonstrates the importance of providing breakfast not only to children but in adults and elderly too. Although the important role breakfast plays in maintaining the health, epidemiological data from industrialised countries reveal that many individuals either eat a nutritionally unhealthy breakfast or skip it completely.
Summary
The historical, bio-psychological and educational value of breakfast in our culture is extremely important and should be recognized and stressed by the scientific community. Efforts should be done to promote this practice for the individual health and well-being.