Is it appropriate to take citrus at night?
Is it appropriate to take citrus at night?
Oranges, lemons, grapefruit … They are very healthy and nutritious, but during the night it is possible that they cause us problems. Is it appropriate to take citrus at dinner? Find out why it might not be as adequate as you think.
The fruit is one of the best foods that exist. It can be taken at any time of the day thanks to its quantity of vitamins A and C, and minerals. The fruit is indicated in the Mediterranean diet, where it is advisable to always take it in season, also to praise the local product and proximity.
Now, there are certain fruits that it is perhaps best to avoid at the end of the day, in the same way, certain foods are not advisable for dinner because they influence our digestion process. We will see why it is not appropriate to take citrus at night.
Reasons why it might be inappropriate to eat citrus after dinner
- Fructose
Although it is not fully proven that taking fruit at night is bad, some studies indicate that the fruit contributes a large amount of fructose, something that is converted into glucose.
When consuming it at the end of the night, it does not let it burn properly when we remain at rest for going to sleep.
- Increase in acidity
Both oranges and lemons, that is, citrus fruits, are quite acidic. At night this great acidity can make us feel heavy and increase the heat.
It is a strange sensation that you do not like, very similar to when we eat in abundance at night or we have opted for spicy food. This also applies to orange juices, especially if they are natural and lemon; better to take them at another time of the day.
- Digestive problems
Coupled with the above, acidity is related to the stomach and citrus at night can offer other digestive problems. Many times, abusing citrus fruits can lead to belly aches and unwanted diarrhea.
Of course, as with most foods, we must bear in mind that citrus fruits, like all other fruits, are totally healthy foods, whose consumption is always recommended (and, in addition, daily). Therefore, if the citrus consumption at night feels good and does not cause any harm, then there is no reason to avoid taking them.
When citrus is best suited
It is recommended that the ideal time to take oranges, limes or kiwis is the first hour of the day. Also at noon. And starting in the afternoon it is better to opt for another kind of fruit, with less acidity and lighter.
So what to take during the night?
In view of the fact that it is better not to take certain foods for dinner, what should we consume at this time? because the lighter the dinner, the better, since the acidity will be one of the reasons why the somewhat abundant food at night can make us feel bad.
We can eat fruit, based on fruit salad, such as banana, apple or pear, which will help us regulate our intestines. They should be light dinners, with vegetable creams, soups, grilled fish or cereals, and yogurts. Lean meat is also another option: rabbit, turkey, chicken or pork loin.
We remind that nutritionists recommend making 5 meals a day. In the morning, an abundant breakfast, where citrus fruits can be the main part, in the form of juice or the whole fruit.
At mid-morning it is also possible to have a kiwi or an orange, lunch, a snack and a light dinner that does not include citrus, as we have commented in this article.
What are the benefits of citrus?
Although they do not eat at night, it must be recognized that these fruits have many benefits for the body. Prevent various diseases such as influenza or constipation because they are good in vitamins A, B1, B2 and C, potassium, copper and sulfur that our body needs to function properly.
In addition, they protect the immune system, stimulate glandular secretions and balance blood pressure. Provided it is not at night, consuming citrus fruits help protect the stomach, relieving heartburn.
In turn, taking citrus helps prevent certain diseases of the body by purifying the organs and regenerating tissues. Lemon, for example, helps improve tooth enamel.
They are also good for headaches, especially natural juices. And of all it is known that both lemon and orange (if it is with honey, better) act as a natural remedy for sore throats and inflammation of the tonsils.