California Gastroenterologist Reveals the 5 Unhealthiest Breakfast Foods to Avoid
LOS ANGELES — Breakfast may be hailed as the most important meal of the day, but Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist, is calling out five popular morning staples that might do more harm than good. Sharing his insights with his 476,000 TikTok followers (@doctorsethimd), Dr. Sethi highlighted how some beloved breakfast choices can lead to long-term health issues.
1. Bacon
Dr. Sethi warned against processed meats like bacon, citing their high content of unhealthy fats, nitrates, and nitrites, which have been linked to stomach and colon cancer. Cooking bacon at high temperatures, a common practice, can produce cancer-causing compounds like heterocyclic amines.
2. Breakfast Cereal
“Many cereals are loaded with sugar and artificial additives,” Dr. Sethi said. Cereals marketed to children are especially guilty of using harmful dyes like Red 40 and preservatives like BHT. Activists and investors have recently criticized major cereal brands, calling for the removal of these additives from U.S. products.
3. Granola
Often seen as a “health halo” food, granola can be deceivingly unhealthy. Dr. Sethi noted its high sugar content, often used to form the iconic clusters. Registered dietitian Courtney Smith agrees, suggesting granola be used sparingly as a topping rather than eaten by the bowlful.
4. Pancakes
Traditional pancakes made with refined flour and topped with sugary syrups are another breakfast trap. Dr. Sethi recommends swapping them out for whole-wheat or almond-flour varieties to avoid blood sugar spikes.
5. Doughnuts
Doughnuts were unsurprisingly at the top of Dr. Sethi’s “avoid” list. Ultra-processed foods like doughnuts are linked to rising cancer rates and chronic conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
A Call to Healthier Mornings
Dr. Sethi’s list underscores the importance of scrutinizing our breakfast choices. While these foods are tempting, he encourages opting for whole, nutrient-dense options to start the day right.
For those looking to make better choices, Dr. Sethi’s TikTok feed is filled with practical tips and healthier swaps, from low-sugar alternatives to high-protein recipes.
Breakfast, after all, should fuel the body—not harm it.
Reference News:- I’m a stomach doctor — the 5 unhealthiest breakfast foods I wouldn’t eat
