Lots of factors go into making that decision. There’s culture—how and where you grew up. There’s supply—what kinds of foods are available or in season. There’s occupation—what you do during the day. And there’s nutrition science—what your body needs.

Not everyone in America eats scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast every morning. The same thing is true for people in other countries. Here are some common breakfasts from around the world:

Australia

A quick “brekkie” might be OJ, cornflakes, and toast with Vegemite. That concoction was invented in Australia. It is made with leftover brewer’s yeast, pureed vegetables, and spices. The salty, bitter, malty goo is a rich source of B vitamins. Those are important to the nervous system.

Kenya

Kenyans might eat unleavened flatbread and fruit with uji. Uji is a thick porridge made from fermented millet. The Kenyan breakfast is rich in potassium. You need potassium to balance your body’s electrolytes, which make your heart work properly.

Italy

Italians might have coffee or espresso and a bakery pastry. Is coffee’s caffeine good for you? People disagree about that. But they all agree that it stimulates the central nervous system.

England

A traditional “fry-up” is loaded with protein and fat. Protein maintains muscle by providing necessary amino acids. Fats help the body absorb vitamins.

China

In China, people might eat rice porridge called congee. White rice’s carbohydrates give the body quick fuel. A barbecue pork-filled bun called cha siu bao goes with the porridge.

Brazil

Brazilians have ham and cheese on a roll with a piece of fruit such as papaya. Papaya is loaded with vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for your skin, tendons, bones, and so much more.

Japan

A Japanese family might sit down to rice and miso soup. Miso soup is made from a paste of fermented soy, rice or barley, and seasoning. Fermented foods can help enzymes in the gut digest food.