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David Beckham’s daily breakfast offers many health benefits, including help with lowering cholesterol. Ahead of hitting the big 50 last week, the ex footballer shared some secrets on how he stays in good shape.
Discussing his pre-gym morning routine, he revealed: “I eat breakfast with my daughter [Harper] every morning before I take her to school. She has a bagel and cream cheese and cucumber and I go for oatmeal and some berries.”
Healthcare company Mayo Clinic vouches for oats, explaining that they offer a special soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Keeping your cholesterol in check can slash heart disease and diabetes risks.
According to Healthline, oats are also a good source of protein and have a “well-balanced” nutrient composition, containing essential amino acids and antioxidant compounds. “Beta-glucan also promotes healthy gut bacteria and intestinal health. Eating oatmeal regularly can have weight management benefits, too,” the website states.
Website Eating Well dives into the best ways to consume oats. The advice goes: “Steel cut, rolled and instant oats are all healthy choices when it comes to choosing a whole grain. They are all similar nutritionally, but differ in their processing methods. Steel cut oats are cut, rather than rolled or flattened and take longer to cook. Enjoy each type of oat to get a good dose of whole grains, fibre and protein.”
David Beckham gave fans an insight into his healthy breakfast
Moreover, Healthline ranks berries among the healthiest fruits due to their nutritional content. The site explains that berries are packed with antioxidants, which are thought to keep free radicals in check.
Research indicates that while free radicals can be beneficial in small amounts, they can damage your cells if their numbers increase too much, leading to oxidative stress.
Dr Idrees Mughal, also known as Dr Idz, highlights that berries like raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and cranberries are rich in polyphenols, offering numerous health benefits thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research suggests that regular intake of polyphenols can enhance digestion, brain health, and provide protection against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancer.
“Polyphenols are specific antioxidants that boost things like your blood vessel health, they boost your cognition, they boost lots of aspects, they can even reduce inflammation,” the doctor revealed. “So berries are a massive under-utilised food.”
David shares that after the school run, he takes one of his IM8 health supplements, which he helped develop. This supplement is said to contain 92 different beneficial ingredients, including vitamins, minerals and probiotics.
David Beckham opts for oatmeal and berries to kickstart his day
Other perks of David’s breakfast Speaking further to Men’s Health magazine, the father-of-four said after working out at the gym he opts for “a protein shake with a little bit of creatine, coconut water, lots of ice, two bananas and almonds”.
Protein shakes are a hit among fitness enthusiasts and athletes for their muscle recovery and growth benefits. Good Food highlights that while they’re a convenient protein source, they shouldn’t replace whole foods rich in protein.
For a more rounded intake of nutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals, it’s recommended to consume protein-rich foods like meat, fish, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes.
Cleveland Clinic notes the added creatine in David’s shakes is a boon for muscle energy and can enhance strength and brain health. Bananas contribute potassium, fibre, and tryptophan, which are good for gut health, heart health, and mood.
Almonds bring a bounty of antioxidants, vitamin E, protein, and fibre to the table. Web MD states that these nuts can lower bad cholesterol and assist in maintaining a healthy weight.
Dr Idz says: “Nuts are very health-promoting, they contain lots of healthy unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for your brain and beneficial for your body. They can help reduce inflammation if you’re consuming lots of saturated fats.”
Coconut water is often hailed for its high electrolyte and mineral content, which are said to boost bone health and reduce muscle cramps post-workout. However, it’s always wise to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.
What the NHS says about cholesterol High cholesterol may not have any obvious symptoms. It can be triggered by a diet rich in fatty foods, lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking and alcohol consumption. Excessive cholesterol can clog up your blood vessels, which then increases the risk of heart problems or stroke.
Your ideal cholesterol level depends on factors such as age, existing health conditions and your risk of cardiovascular disease. To lower your cholesterol, the NHS recommends reducing intake of fatty food, particularly those containing saturated fat.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help bring down your cholesterol levels. The health website suggests including more of these foods in your diet; oily fish like mackerel and salmon, olive oil, rapeseed oil and spreads made from these oils, brown rice, wholegrain bread and wholewheat pasta, nuts and seeds, and fruits and vegetables.
They suggest limiting the consumption of the likes of; meat pies, sausages and fatty meats, butter, lard and ghee, cream and hard cheese like cheddar, cakes and biscuits.
