AIIMS gastroenterologist ranks popular breakfasts for gut health on a scale of 1 to 10: Upma, overnight oats, granola

Dr Saurabh Sethi shared his ranking of popular breakfast foods based on their impact on gut health – here are some of the best and worst breakfast options.
Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, took to Instagram on September 5 to rank various breakfast foods according to their perceived benefit for gut health, using a scale that ranges from negative values for detrimental options to a high of 10 for the most beneficial. Also read | Harvard trained gut doctor ranks 10 foods for the gut-brain axis on a scale of 1 to 10: Idli and yoghurt to fruit juice
Ranking breakfasts for gut health
Dr Sethi's rankings presented a wide range, from very low scores for items like sugary cereals and fast-food burritos, indicating they are poor choices, to high scores for options like smoothies with kefir, berries, and spinach, which are considered excellent.
He evaluated several categories of breakfast items, including different types of oats, toast preparations, egg dishes, and fermented dairy products – and wrote in his caption, “Some breakfast foods help your gut thrive, while others do the opposite. Let’s see how your favourite stacks up.”
Which is the best and worst breakfast for your gut?
Here's everything Dr Sethi said in the video he posted as he highlighted which breakfast foods support a healthy gut and which should be avoided:
1. Upma or savory oats with veggies: 5 out of 10
2. Sprouted grain toast with nut butter: 6 out of 10
3. Plain whole wheat toast with jam: 3 out of 10
4. Store-bought granola: 2 out of 10
5. White bread toast with butter: 1 out of 10
6. Steel-cut oatmeal with banana or dates: 4 out of 10
7. Vegetable and egg scramble: 9 out of 10
8. Smoothie with unsweetened kafir, berries, and spinach: 7 out of 10
9. Overnight oats with chia or flax seeds: 8 out of 10
10. Greek yoghurt with berries: 10 out of 10
11. Sugary breakfast cereals: minus 5 out of 10
12. Fast food burritos: minus 10 out of 10
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHORSanya PanwarWith a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More
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