Chucking one simple thing into your morning yoghurt or porridge can work wonders for your gut health and metabolism, according to an expert.

There's nothing quite like kicking off the day with a breakfast you genuinely enjoy that's also doing you a world of good.

Breakfast remains the most crucial meal of the day, and ensuring your plate or bowl is brimming with nutrients that support your body is an absolute game-changer.

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Whether you're tucking into porridge, yoghurt, toast or even a stack of pancakes, there's one ingredient you can chuck into your breakfast to give your gut health and metabolism a proper boost.

Olivia Molyneux, a gastro dietitian based in London, revealed that adding one particular fruit to your morning meal can genuinely set you up for success.

She explained: "One of the ways I support my own gut microbiome is simply adding a humble handful of berries to my breakfast in the morning.

"This is because colourful plant foods, like blueberries, are packed with plant compounds called polyphenols.

"Polyphenols aren't probiotics, so they don't directly add bacteria to your gut and they're also not fibre, meaning they don't directly feed the bacteria that's in your gut either.

"This is where gut science starts to get exciting. Polyphenols are increasingly being recognised in research as microbial modulators, meaning they help create a more supportive gut environment by influencing which bacteria thrive and what they produce.

"More good quality research is still needed in this area, but what we do know is that diets rich in colourful plant foods, such as blueberries, raspberries, herbs and spices, are associated with better gut and metabolic health overall."

According to the NHS, blueberries are packed with fibre, vitamin C and vitamin K.

They also boast anti-inflammatory properties and a 2024 study discovered that regular consumption could significantly enhance blood flow and blood vessel dilation.