Consuming sweet pastries and fatty foods in the morning can reduce concentration.
Scientists have found that a breakfast high in sugar and fats can worsen well-being and mental performance in the first hours after eating. This is reported by Food and Humanity.
The experiment involved young women who were offered breakfasts of the same calorie content but different compositions on different days: balanced or sweet and fatty. After consuming the sweet-fatty breakfast, the participants more frequently experienced drowsiness and demonstrated lower results in tasks involving planning and switching between tasks—functions that are critically important for concentration and learning.
Physiological measurements confirmed that such a breakfast provoked a predominance of the 'rest mode' in the nervous system's functioning. A decrease in heart rate and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, characteristic of a resting state, were noted. Such an effect is appropriate in the evening; however, in the morning, it can hinder active mental activity.
The authors note the short-term nature of the study but emphasize the significance of its findings. In their opinion, regular consumption of sweet pastries and fatty foods in the morning can gradually reduce concentration, worsen mood, and negatively affect performance.
