How Pippa Middleton stays slim with 9p breakfast that fights off eight cancers
The mum-of-three has revealed she eats "a lot" of the 'anti-cancer' superfood breakfast that's also great for weight management
Pippa Middleton, the sister of the Princess of Wales, swears by a nutritious breakfast staple to kickstart her day, something that is not only pocket-friendly but may also slash the risk of cancer. Chatting with iNews, Pippa disclosed her fondness for "a lot of porridge" in the mornings as part of her meal regime.
The Royal Family member said she consumes "almost everything," but has a particular soft spot for "lots of porridge or boiled eggs with soldiers." She emphasised the importance of breakfast, stating: "I can't start the day properly" without it.
The consumption of porridge offers an array of health perks, including bolstering heart and gut wellness, helping with weight control, and maintaining stable blood glucose levels. Adding to the appeal, it's also incredibly cost-effective – Aldi is retailing a 1kg bag of oats at just 90p, equating to a mere 9p for each hearty 100g portion.
Oats boast an abundance of beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that notably cuts down LDL 'bad' cholesterol whilst elevating HDL 'good' cholesterol numbers. High cholesterol can trigger grave health issues like cardiovascular disease and strokes.
Whole grains such as porridge help reduce fasting blood sugar figures and improve insulin sensitivity. The fibre in porridge also functions as a prebiotic, fostering beneficial gut bacteria and amplifying digestive health overall, reports Surrey Live.
Oats are packed with antioxidants such as polyphenols and avenanthramides, which are vital in protecting our cells from damage and could lower the risk of various illnesses, like heart disease, certain types of cancer, and age-related diseases. Including more high-fibre whole grains like oats and fewer refined grains in your diet can help maintain a healthy weight, possibly explaining how Pippa Middleton stays trim.
The body has to work harder to break down fibre, potentially boosting your metabolic rate. Porridge, being high in fibre, keeps you feeling satisfied for longer, aiding in weight loss by reducing overall calorie intake.
Soluble fibre forms a gel in the intestines, preventing some calories from being absorbed. Cancer Research UK suggests that a balanced diet rich in wholegrains and fibre "can help reduce your risk of bowel cancer".
Wholegrains include brown rice, whole wheat pasta, oats and wholegrain bread. Fibre is essential for regular bowel movements, increasing stool size and diluting its contents, allowing harmful substances less time in the intestines. When fibre interacts with gut bacteria, it produces a compound called butyrate, beneficial for intestinal cell health and lowering tumour risk.
Fibre is not just essential for digestion, but according to specialists, it could shield you from various cancers as well. Research found in the National Library of Medicine suggests that "the protective effect of dietary fibre on rectal, colon, breast, endometrial, pancreatic, colorectal adenoma, and prostate cancers was probable evidence."
Though cancer remains incurable, adopting a well-rounded diet could diminish your risk. Regular exercise, smoking cessation, alcohol moderation, avoiding processed foods, and maintaining a healthy weight could further trim your cancer risk.
British Heart Foundation dietitian Victoria Taylor advises, "Porridge is a healthy, nutritious way to start the day. However, there is much debate about which oats are the best to use and which cooking method is healthiest."
She adds, "There are many varieties of porridge oats, including rolled, quick and instant... Whichever porridge you choose, make it with low-fat milk or water to keep the calories down and minimise saturated fat, especially if you are trying to lower your cholesterol levels."