Is Eating Banana at Night Safe?
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits that are widely consumed all over the world. Packed with essential nutrients and vitamins, bananas have numerous proven health benefits. The yellow fruit is packed with fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins. It helps in weight loss, keeps your heart healthy and ensures easy bowel movement. But there is a lot of misconception associated with the consumption of bananas and one of the most common one is that eating bananas at night can aggravate the symptoms of cold and cough.
Should You Eat a Banana Before Going to Bed?
Some health experts and nutritionists say that the only reason that one should avoid eating banana close to bedtime is if you are suffering from a bout of cold or a cough, or you have asthma. This is because consuming a banana close to bedtime may increase mucus formation. Also, eating a banana at night may increase weight because it becomes difficult for your body to digest it. Ayurveda also propagates similar thoughts. However, you may consider consuming banana for any of the following benefits:
1. Helps in Inducing Sleep
If you have had a long tiring day and are experiencing trouble getting some sleep, banana is something that you can consider eating at night. A banana or two can be had close to bedtime because it helps your muscles feel calm and relaxed and thus helps you in sleeping better.
2. Helps in Controlling Stomach Acid
If you have had a heavy meal at night, which was loaded with too much oil and spices, there are chances that you may suffer from heartburn or acidity. Consuming one banana may come handy because it helps in neutralising the stomach acids and thus is beneficial in keeping acidity at bay.
3. Helps in Preventing Muscle Cramping
If you have been experiencing the treachery of muscle cramping in your sleep at night, consuming a banana late in the evening may help in providing much-needed relief. Bananas are rich in magnesium and potassium, the two electrolytes that prove beneficial in reducing muscle cramping.
4. Helps in Curbing Your Sweet Craving
Most of us love to end our meals with sweets, but eating sweets may be a good option at night. Also, many of us may get late night cravings for sweets. Eating a banana is a healthier alternative to eating sweets at night and also putting an end to all those late night sweet cravings.
5. Helps in Giving a Fibre Boost
Bananas are loaded with fibre and thus consuming this super-food close to bedtime helps in providing an extra boost of fibre to the body. Extra fibre can help in keeping type-2 diabetes, heart ailments and digestive health on track.
6. Helps in Lowering Blood Pressure
If you are battling with high blood pressure, you should increase your potassium intake and reduce your sodium intake. Bananas are rich in potassium, which is excellent for keeping your blood pressure under check. If you are unable to meet your daily potassium intake during the day, gobbling down a banana at night can give your body an instant dosage of dietary potassium.
Therefore, if you experience any of the issues mentioned above, eating a banana at night may actually prove to be helpful for your health.
Who Should You Avoid Eating Banana at Night?
Where some people may benefit greatly by eating a banana at night, some people should avoid eating a banana at night. You should avoid eating banana under the following circumstances:
-If you are suffering from cold and cough.
-If you have asthma.
-If you are suffering from digestive issues.
-If you are trying to lose weight.
– If you plan to study or work at night, avoid eating a banana as it can make you lethargic and sleepy.
– If you wish to avoid tooth troubles, avoid eating bananas at night as it may increase your chances of tooth decay.
Source: parenting.firstcry.com
