Watermelon is a familiar fruit for cooling down, but eating it in the evening may not be as good as many people think.
Evening eating habits are becoming increasingly common, as many people finish work late and tend to eat more before bedtime. However, not all foods are suitable at this time. Seemingly healthy choices can still have negative effects if consumed at the wrong time.
The body undergoes many metabolic and digestive changes and has a need for rest at night, so eating habits during this time should be carefully considered, according to NDTV Food (India).
Experts recommend eating watermelon around 12-13 hours, as this helps the body absorb nutrients better. Photo: N.Vy created with Gemini
The timing of eating watermelon affects digestion
Watermelon is a water-rich fruit with a natural sweetness and provides many nutrients. It contains approximately 94% water, along with lycopene, potassium, and fiber, which help support digestion and rehydrate the body.
Shilpa Arora, a nutritionist in India, says watermelon offers many benefits for overall health. However, she discourages eating watermelon after 7 PM. According to her, watermelon is slightly acidic, and the digestive system slows down at night, making it more likely to cause discomfort.
Shilpa Arora recommends eating watermelon around 12-13 hours, when the digestive system is most efficient, allowing the body to absorb nutrients better.
Eating late at night can easily cause bloating and disrupt sleep
Mr. Dhanvantri Tyagi noted that caution should be exercised when eating watermelon in the evening. This fruit contains a lot of water and natural sugar, and eating it close to bedtime can cause the stomach to work while the body is preparing to rest.
This can easily lead to feelings of fullness, heaviness in the stomach, or discomfort the next morning. Additionally, the high water content in watermelon increases the need to urinate at night, disrupting sleep.
Who should limit their watermelon intake in the evening?
People with weak digestive systems or irritable bowel syndrome should consider carefully before eating watermelon in the evening. Those prone to bloating or acid reflux should also limit their consumption.
People with diabetes need to control their portion sizes when eating this fruit. Additionally, watermelon should not be eaten immediately after a high-protein and high-fat dinner.
Watermelon is still a nutritious food if eaten fresh and stored properly. However, the timing of consumption plays a crucial role. Eating watermelon during the day or between meals will help the body absorb nutrients better and minimize discomfort.