In our mad scramble to get to our workplaces and colleges on time, we grab the first thing we can find to satiate our growling stomachs and get going. But some food items cause more harm than good. we came up with a comprehensive list of what to eat and what to avoid on an empty stomach. Read on!
What not to eat:
1. Spicy food
Put down those peri peri fries, as they inflame the gastric mucosa and boost acid production in your stomach.
2. Pears
The rough fiber of pears are liable to damage the delicate mucous membrane of an empty stomach.
3. Bananas
Bananas lead to a sharp increase in magnesium content in the blood and can be harmful for the heart.
4. Tomatoes
Those juicy tomatoes might look appetising but hold up, because the tannic acid in them increase acidity and cause gastric ulcers.
5. Carbonated drinks
You might think that the caffeine content in the coke will keep you charged for the day ahead but it actually destroys mucous membranes, reduces blood supply to the stomach and slows down digestion.
6. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges have a ton of fruit acid. However, on an empty stomach they increase risks of having gastritis and gastric ulcers as well as heartburn.
7. Cucumbers and green vegetables
You might think these veggies will do you a world of good, but on an empty stomach they cause gas formation, abdominal pain and heartburn.
8. Yoghurt and fermented milk products
Yoghurt on an empty stomach leads to an increase in hydrochloric acid content, which kills lactic acid bacteria. Hence, the nutrients are not absorbed by the body.
9. Shortcrust and puff pastries
Eating these right in the morning inflames the delicate lining of the stomach and causes gas formation.
10. Sweets
Dismiss all those eat-chocolate-in-the-morning theories. Eating sugar first thing in the morning boosts insulin levels, which increase the load on the pancreas when you have just woken up. This practice can lead to diabetes.
What to eat:
1. Nuts
Nuts are great for digestion and regulate pH levels in the stomach.
2. Whole grain bread without yeast
Bread contains carbohydrates and other essential nutrients which the body needs.
3. Blueberries
Eating blueberries for breakfast improves memory and regulates metabolism and blood pressure.
4. Honey
Honey helps in driving away morning grogginess and boosts energy levels, keeping you charged all day. It helps brain activity and keeps you happy due to increase in levels of seratonin.
5. Watermelon
Dig into some luscious watermelon to keep your body hydrated with fluid. Its high levels of lycopene help the eyes and the heart.
6. Wheat germ
Wheat germ is a miracle worker. Only 2 tablespoons of this replenishes your body with 15% of the recommended intake of vitamin E and with 10% of required folic acid. It also helps the digestive system.
7. Buckwheat
A rich source of proteins, iron and vitamins, buckwheat helps the digestive system function effectively.
8. Cornmeal porridge
9. Oatmeal
Its soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol levels. Digging into a bowl of oatmeal in the morning protects the lining of your stomach from hydrochloric acid, as the oatmeal forms a protective layer on the lining of the stomach.
10. Eggs
Eggs are yummy and filling, keeping you full for longer. This helps cut down on those snack breaks and reduces intake of calories.
