6 hours Ago By Andrew Nuttall
A doctor has shared her favourite breakfast recipe that's good for you and contains a 20p ingredient that may help you lose weight. Dr Stephanie Jen Chyi Ooi, who goes by @the_gp_mum online, posted about the morning breakfast she makes for her children. It may seem simple, but the 20p addition could have some people confused.
She starts making porridge like most would by selecting her go-to brand. The GP claimed her 'levelled up porridge' is made using Ready Brek. She claimed that this brand is "packed with lots of vitamins" like calcium, iron and vitamin D.
The mum claimed that she has found the texture of the porridge comes out "too smooth" for her liking though so mixes in a handful of regular jumbo oats. She adds another breakfast ingredient that may seem somewhat unconventional when paired with porridge. But, this staple - which you probably already have in your kitchen - could help boost your protein intake and support your heart health.
She wrote: "Inspired by @drchintalskitchen - genius idea to stir in an egg. If you do it as the porridge is thickening up and keep stirring it gives you a delicious creamy texture. I asked the girls to guess what the secret ingredient was and they couldn’t tell at all.
" A post shared by Dr Stephanie Jen Chyi Ooi (the_gp_mum) (@drstephanieooi) The thought of an egg mixed into your porridge might sound unappetising - but the doctor claims you cannot taste it. Incorporating the item can be a healthy booster. Whole eggs are nutritionally rich, supplying almost every nutrient you need.
They have one of the lowest energy-to-nutrient density ratios of any food and are useful sources of some of the harder-to-get nutrients like vitamins D and B12 as well as the mineral iodine. Eggs are also classed as a 'complete protein', containing all nine essential amino acids needed for growth, development and repair. This is important because our body cannot make these amino acids and must obtain them from food.
The protein content of an egg also contributes to its filling nature. Eggs can help suppress the hunger hormone ghrelin and increase feelings of fullness for longer. This makes them a great option for breakfast as they help stop you snacking, leading to lowered calories and potentially triggering weight loss.
Starting your day with eggs can be a great way to lower your calorie consumption for the rest of the day. Research indicates that people who are overweight and include eggs in their breakfast while following a calorie-controlled diet tend to lose more body fat, experience a decrease in BMI, and have a slimmer waist compared to those who opt for a breakfast high in carbohydrates. Although eggs do contain cholesterol, studies indicate that the cholesterol found in eggs does not have a major effect on blood cholesterol levels for most individuals.
Research has found that the high cholesterol in egg yolks has little influence on blood levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol . Saturated fats, which are present in items like butter, cheese, and red meat, are more likely to elevate blood cholesterol than the cholesterol from eggs, which are relatively low in saturated fat. Generally, eggs are seen as a healthy food choice, but it's wise to consume them in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet.
If you have high cholesterol, a family history of heart issues, or other health concerns, it's best to consult your doctor about how many eggs you should eat. Some research has suggested a connection between higher egg intake and an increased risk of heart disease and mortality, while other studies have found no such association or even suggested a protective benefit. Ongoing research aims to clarify the intricate relationship between egg consumption and heart health.
Aldi sells a pack of 12 medium-sized eggs for £2.45, which works out at 20p per egg . Depending on your budget and preferences, you could get a smaller or larger pack.
The discount supermarket also has an affordable range of porridge oats too. The Everyday Essentials pack (weighing 1kg) costs 89p (or 9p per bowl). The doctor finished her dish by adding milled flaxseeds.
This high-fibre topping has been linked to lower cholesterol levels and a decreased risk of heart disease . She added that people can opt for some other healthy toppings to boost the benefits of their porridge. Dr Stephanie suggested items like seeds, fruits and nut butters - or a simple dollop of Greek yoghurt.
Eggs are best enjoyed in moderation alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise. Experts at Harvard Health say that "the average healthy person likely suffers no harm from eating up to seven eggs per week"..
