You should not eat anything that has not been heated after 5 pm
Whether you love it or hate it, scientifically proven - salads are wonderful for your overall health and well-being. Made with fresh vegetables and fruits, salads are packed with nutrients like protein, carbs, and vitamins which are associated with positive metabolic, colonic health, and gut motility as well as reductions in cardiovascular disease and decreased risk of colorectal cancer.
Salads are also crucial for weight loss and immunity.
However, according to experts, it is not a wise thing to eat them at night, with or before your dinner.
Why should you not eat salads at night?
According to nutritionists, you should not eat anything that has not been heated after 5 pm. The digestive tract has a unique rhythm which makes digestion slow down in the evening.
Studies say your digestion is super active in the morning and slows down as the day begins to end. Raw foods are difficult to process and consume more energy and if your body is not able to process the digestion of food quickly, the fermentation process begins in the stomach. 1
In addition to the risk of illness, the internal fermentation process also negatively affects sleep, making it difficult to wake up fresh.
Also, most raw vegetables used in salads like cucumbers, lettuce, and carrots are packed with a very high water content, which negatively affects your digestive system. 2
According to experts, it causes fatty liver and indigestion, slowing down your metabolic rates – thereby causing obesity and diseases like type 2 diabetes.
Many people who have trouble digesting raw vegetables can also feel bloated or uncomfortable after eating salads.
Studies say cruciferous veggies like cabbage, kale, and broccoli for dinner can easily lead to water retention, swelling, and indigestion the next day. 2
Salads can leave you unsatisfied and hungry
Nutritionists say even though many people replace their meals with salads believing that consuming less will eventually help them lose weight, it just doesn’t work out.
On the contrary, it slows down your metabolism and can lead to weight gain in the long run.
Cause a spike in blood sugar
Research published in the Journal Diabetes Care has said that foods like salads at night lead to blood sugar spikes. It happens as your body's glucose regulation is less efficient at nighttime, leading to potential issues like sleep disturbances and increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the long run.
During sleep, the body's sensitivity to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar, decreases. This can lead to higher blood sugar levels after eating, even with healthy foods like salads containing carbohydrates from vegetables and dressing.
What is the best time to eat salads?
According to experts, it is best to opt for an early dinner every evening to not just take care of your body vitals, but also keep your digestion and gut regulated.
Eat your salads before sunset and if you do crave a late-night snack, try lighter options like fruits, yogurt, or small portions of whole grains instead of a full salad.
