As interest in healthy eating habits continues to surge, debates about what foods to eat first thing in the morning have become more heated than ever. From warm water to salads topped with olive oil and nuts, the list of recommended breakfast foods is long and varied. Yet, a recent trend—consuming butter on an empty stomach—has stirred controversy among experts and the public alike. On April 13, 2026, Dr. Lee Won-kyung, a radiology specialist, took to the YouTube channel '암 찾는 의사' to address the growing fascination with this practice, cautioning viewers against blindly trusting unverified health claims circulating on social media.
Dr. Lee acknowledged that butter does have some redeeming qualities. "Butter's primary component is fat, which slows gastric emptying," he explained, as reported by Kormedi. This means that eating butter in the morning can provide a feeling of fullness that lasts, potentially helping to curb both overeating and snacking later in the day. Since butter contains almost no carbohydrates, it also avoids causing rapid spikes in blood sugar—a boon for those concerned about glucose control. Moreover, butter is packed with essential fatty acids, which, if consumed in moderation, may even help prevent cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
However, Dr. Lee was quick to temper these positives with a strong warning. “The benefits of eating butter on an empty stomach differ from person to person,” he said, adding, “Personally, I do not recommend it.” The main issue? Butter is extremely calorie-dense—just one tablespoon contains about 100 to 120 calories. While it may keep you full for longer, there’s no guarantee that people will actually eat less throughout the rest of the day. In fact, the high caloric intake could lead to weight gain if it simply adds to, rather than replaces, other foods.
Beyond the calorie count, butter offers little in the way of dietary fiber or protein, which means it does not contribute to gut health. For those with sensitive stomachs, the risks are even more pronounced. Eating butter on an empty stomach could trigger nausea or even vomiting. Dr. Lee also raised the possibility that many of the supposed benefits people report may be due to placebo effects or confirmation bias, rather than any real physiological change. “No matter how good a food ingredient is, its effects and side effects can vary from person to person, so it’s crucial to understand what works for your own body,” he emphasized.
Instead of forcing oneself to eat foods that might not suit the body, Dr. Lee suggested considering healthier, more balanced options for breakfast—like eggs or brown rice oatmeal—which are both nutritious and enjoyable. His advice is clear: don’t be swayed by trends without considering your own health needs.
The conversation around breakfast choices isn’t limited to butter. Another food rising in popularity for its supposed health benefits is peanut butter, especially among those managing blood sugar levels. On April 13, 2026, Dr. Kim Seo-hyun of Pungdong Barun Internal Medicine shared her perspective with Health Chosun, noting that peanut butter can be a useful addition to a diabetic’s diet, as long as it is consumed in moderation and with care.
Peanut butter’s reputation for blood sugar management stems from its high content of unsaturated fats and protein, which, much like butter, slow down gastric emptying. This delay in digestion means that carbohydrates consumed alongside peanut butter are absorbed more slowly, resulting in a gradual increase in blood sugar rather than a rapid spike. Peanut butter also boasts a low glycemic index of about 14 and is rich in magnesium, which supports healthy glucose metabolism.
But, as with butter, moderation is key. Dr. Kim advised that diabetic patients should limit their intake to one or two tablespoons per day and should be vigilant about the ingredients in store-bought peanut butter. “Avoid products with added sugar, salt, or hydrogenated oils; choose those labeled ‘100% peanuts’,” she recommended. To maximize the benefits, peanut butter should be paired with whole grain bread or fiber-rich fruits like apples, rather than eaten by the spoonful.
There are also important caveats. For people with type 2 diabetes who are obese, or those suffering from diabetic nephropathy, peanut butter may do more harm than good due to its high caloric content—about 190 calories per two tablespoons—and its potential to worsen insulin resistance or burden the kidneys. And, of course, anyone with a peanut allergy should avoid it altogether. Dr. Kim further cautioned that those taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents should monitor their blood sugar closely after eating peanut butter, as its fat content can delay the peak of blood sugar levels.
For those seeking alternatives, Dr. Kim suggested foods rich in soluble fiber, such as oats and barley, or plant-based proteins like tofu, lentils, and chickpeas. Leafy greens like broccoli and spinach, as well as nuts like almonds and walnuts (in moderation), also made her list. “The key to diabetes management is not to rely on one specific food, but to build a balanced diet based on healthy ingredients and to maintain regular exercise,” she concluded.
The importance of a holistic approach to diabetes management was underscored in a recent episode of '당 편한 세상,' a health program aired on April 14, 2026, by Cookie Health TV. The show featured the story of Mr. Hwang Eung-taek, a retiree who, after initially achieving diabetes remission through diligent use of an insulin pump and lifestyle changes, found himself struggling with blood sugar control once more. After discontinuing his insulin pump following a successful remission, Mr. Hwang experienced a resurgence in blood sugar instability, prompting him to resume pump therapy. Now, he combines regular exercise—cycling and park golf among his favorites—with careful dietary management in hopes of achieving a second remission.
Insulin pumps, as explained in the broadcast, work by delivering a steady stream of insulin via a tiny subcutaneous needle, helping to stabilize blood sugar and reduce dangerous fluctuations. The story served as a poignant reminder that diabetes is a chronic condition requiring ongoing, vigilant management to prevent serious complications like cardiovascular and kidney disease.
Across these expert opinions and personal stories, one message rings clear: there are no miracle foods or quick fixes when it comes to managing blood sugar or overall health. Whether it’s butter, peanut butter, or any other trendy food, the best approach is a balanced diet tailored to individual needs, coupled with regular physical activity. As Dr. Lee and Dr. Kim both emphasized, understanding your own body and making informed, moderate choices is far more valuable than chasing the latest health fad.
For those navigating the complexities of dietary health and chronic disease, it’s the steady, thoughtful choices—not the sensational headlines—that make all the difference.