Breakfast blunders: The vegetables to skip for a smooth start

Breakfast is a crucial meal that significantly impacts our efficiency for the rest of the day. Vegetables are a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, but not all are suitable to consume on an empty stomach. We suggest which ones to avoid.

Although tomatoes are rich in beneficial nutrients like potassium, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins, they can be harmful if eaten on an empty stomach. Individuals with stomach ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux should steer clear of tomatoes, particularly in the morning, to avoid unpleasant consequences throughout the day.

Hot peppers should also be avoided at breakfast as they can cause heartburn. It's better to include them in meals later in the day. The same principle applies to other popular vegetables. Natural acids in peppers and cucumbers can irritate the stomach, making them unsuitable for the day's first meal.

Garlic, a natural antibiotic, can help combat various ailments but is not recommended for breakfast. This is primarily due to one component: Allicin can overburden the digestive system and may negatively impact the intestines.

Onions and leeks consumed in the morning can damage the stomach lining, increase gas production, and cause heartburn. Thus, it is not advisable to eat them on an empty stomach.

Experts recommend that breakfast should not consist solely of vegetables. An excess of vegetables in the morning can disturb the stomach's acid balance, leading to bloating. Complementing them with dairy products can significantly improve the situation.

People with stomach or duodenal ulcers or inflammation of the digestive system's mucous membranes should exclude fresh vegetables from their breakfast. Incorporating them into meals in the afternoon is a much better solution.

This doesn't mean that vegetables for breakfast are disadvantageous in every form. If you eat vegetables for breakfast, it is wiser to cook them beforehand and add them, for example, to scrambled eggs. An alternative to morning vegetables could be oatmeal with nuts or fruits.

When preparing breakfast, it's also worth opting for milk and similar products, like natural yogurts or buttermilk. Whole-grain bread or muesli mixed with oatmeal or dried fruits are also good options.