8 most unhealthy breakfasts that are secretly causing BP, high cholesterol

Breakfast, often hailed as the most important meal of the day, can either set us up for success or unknowingly contribute to health issues like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Despite their innocent appearance, some breakfast options harbour hidden pitfalls that can negatively impact on cardiovascular health. From everyone's favourite French Toast to greasy Chhole Bhature, certain breakfast choices can quietly contribute to elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Here is a list of some of the unsuspecting yet unhealthy breakfasts that could be stealthily impacting on our cardiovascular health. (Images courtesy: Canva)

Deep-fried parathas, while delicious, can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and high blood pressure due to their high saturated fat and calorie content. The deep-frying process increases the absorption of unhealthy fats, leading to plaque buildup in arteries and an increased risk of heart disease. Additionally, the excessive consumption of deep-fried foods like parathas can lead to weight gain and obesity, further exacerbating the risk of hypertension. To promote heart health, it's advisable to enjoy parathas in moderation and opt for healthier cooking methods such as baking or grilling.

It’s the most popular dish that people enjoy at breakfast across the country. While the curry is loaded with spices, it is paired with deep-fried Bhature, which can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and high blood pressure due to its high saturated fat and calorie content. The deep-fried Bhature are rich in unhealthy fats, which can lead to plaque buildup in arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the high sodium content in the dish, particularly in the chole, can raise blood pressure levels.

While breakfast cereals can be part of a balanced diet, certain types may contribute to elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels as they are loaded with sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, potentially impacting BP and cholesterol. Opting for whole grain cereals low in added sugars and pairing them with protein-rich foods can help mitigate these effects.

Pancake premixes, while convenient, often contain high levels of refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, both of which can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels. These mixes typically include ingredients like refined flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, which can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol when consumed in excess. Additionally, prepackaged pancake mixes may contain artificial additives and preservatives that can negatively impact cardiovascular health. To lower the risk of cholesterol issues, it's advisable to opt for homemade pancakes using whole grain flour and healthier fat sources like olive oil or mashed bananas instead of premade mixes.

Just like pancake premix, both Instant Upma and Poha, are convenient meal options, and can potentially contribute to elevated cholesterol levels depending on their ingredients and preparation method. Prepackaged food mixes like Upma and Poha often contain refined grains, which lack the fibre and nutrients found in whole grains that can help lower cholesterol. Additionally, some premixes may include unhealthy fats, such as hydrogenated oils or excessive amounts of ghee, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

While French Toast can be a delicious breakfast option, it has the potential to contribute to high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, depending on its preparation and ingredients. Traditional French toast recipes often call for white bread, which is high in refined carbohydrates and may lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. Additionally, soaking the bread in a mixture of eggs and whole milk can increase the dish's cholesterol and saturated fat content, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Consuming French toast frequently, especially when prepared with unhealthy fats like butter and topped with syrup, can also contribute to weight gain and hypertension. Opting for whole-grain bread, using egg whites or low-fat milk, and minimising added sugars can help make French toast a healthier option.

We often eat bread with thinly spread butter or jam with some milk. But, irrespective of its delicious taste, what we don’t know is that both these combinations can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels, primarily due to refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. While bread itself is a source of carbohydrates, adding butter or jam increases the saturated fat and sugar content, respectively. Excessive consumption of saturated fats from butter can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while sugary jams can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, which may indirectly affect cholesterol levels.

Bread pakora is another popular breakfast option that people love to eat with tea/coffee. This dish can potentially impact cholesterol and blood pressure levels depending on its ingredients and cooking methods. Typically, bread pakora involves deep-frying bread slices coated in a batter made from besan, which may absorb unhealthy fats during frying. Consuming foods high in saturated fats, like deep-fried snacks, can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of hypertension.