With an eye-watering schedule ahead, King Charles' breakfast food and drinks need to fuel the monarch.
His breakfast choices are said to positively impact longevity due to their anti- cancer and cholesterol lowering properties.
According to leading nutritionist at Lifesum Signe Svanfeldt, his favourite hot drink is one “that boosts heart health and lowers blood pressure ".
The monarch drinks Darjeeling tea and a small glass of fruit juice - and both drinks are hailed for a number of health reasons.
“Darjeeling tea has many health benefits given its antioxidant, vitamin and polyphenol content, including lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation and boosting heart health,” says Signe.
Darjeeling tea is rich in quercetin, which is a compound that has been shown to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque in the arteries - one of the leading causes for a heart attack or stroke.
Previous research has found that a diet consisting of flavonoids such as quercetin has positive health benefits, especially on the heart.
Flavonoids have also been proven to help against hypertension, inflammation, diabetes and vascular diseases.
Tea lowers cancer risk
Darjeeling tea’s rich polyphenolic compounds have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer in several ways, also lowering tumour development.
“Polyphenols help to decrease the risk of cancer cells from forming,” says Molly Myers, a dietitian and nutritionist.
“Research suggests that diets rich in foods containing polyphenols could potentially offer some protection from the development of heart disease, neurodegenerative disease, cancer and diabetes,” added cardiologist Dr Susan Rodder.
“Specific to cardiovascular disease, polyphenols may offer protection by improving the function of the inner lining of the heart and blood vessels, increasing protective HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), decreasing LDL cholesterol bad cholesterol), and promoting anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory activity.”
In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, the anti-cancer activity of Darjeeling tea was investigated.
Male rats were given Darjeeling extract with blood samples analysed afterwards.
Researchers noted the polyphenols compound found in the tea is “capable of reducing the risk of a variety of human illnesses, including cancer or uncontrolled cell proliferation”.
The research concluded that Darjeeling tea has “anti-cancer effects and could have chemo-preventive properties.”
Benefits of fruit juice
For breakfast, King Charles is also known to enjoy a glass of fruit juice, which helps “to boost the King’s vitamin, mineral and fibre intake”, Svanfeldt said.
The antioxidant content is said to help reduce the risk of certain health issues and vitamins that help the body function well.
“Some fruit juices also help combat problems, such as constipation, while cranberry juice can help prevent UTIs,” says Medical News Today.
“Some fruit juices are also high in sugar and calories, meaning people should avoid consuming too much juice.”
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