Fruit is one of the best foods there is. It can be taken at any time of day thanks to its amount of vitamins A and C, and minerals. The fruit is indicated in the Mediterranean diet, where it is advisable to always drink in season, also to praise the local product and proximity.
However, there are certain fruits that are perhaps best avoided at the end of the day, in the same way that certain foods are not advisable for dinner, because they influence our digestion process. We will see why it is not appropriate to take citrus fruits at night.
Reasons why it might be inappropriate to eat citrus after dinner
Fructose
Although it is not entirely proven that eating fruit at night is bad, some studies indicate that fruit provides a large amount of fructose, which is converted into glucose.
By consuming it at the end of the night it does not let it burn properly as we remain at rest from going to sleep.
Increased acidity
Both oranges and lemons, i.e. citrus fruits, are quite acidic. At night this high acidity can make us feel heavy and increase the burning.
It’s a strange feeling and one that we don’t like, much like when we eat a lot at night or have chosen to eat 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
In addition, acidity is related to the stomach and citrus fruits at night can offer other digestive problems. Many times, abusing citrus fruits can lead to unwanted tummy aches and diarrhea.
However, as with most foods, we must bear in mind that citrus fruits, like other fruits, are totally healthy foods, whose consumption is always recommended (and, moreover, daily). Therefore, if the consumption of citrus fruits at night suits you and does not cause you any harm, then there is no reason to avoid taking them.
When is it more appropriate to take citrus
It is recommended that the ideal time to drink oranges, limes or kiwis is the first hour of the day. Also at noon. And from the afternoon onwards, it is better to opt for another kind of fruit, with less acidity and lighter.
So what do you take at night?
Since it is better not to eat certain foods for dinner, what should we eat at this time? The lighter the dinner, the better, since acidity will again be one of the reasons why a somewhat abundant meal at night can be bad for us.
We can eat fruit, based on fruit salad, such as banana, apple or pear, which will help regulate our intestines. They should be light dinners, with creamed vegetables, soups, grilled fish or cereals and yoghurts. Lean meat is another option: rabbit, turkey, chicken or pork loin.
We remember that nutritionists recommend making 5 meals a day. In the morning, an abundant breakfast, where the citrus fruits can be a protagonist, 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 to which it is not necessary to include citrus, as we have been discussing in this article.
What are the benefits of citrus fruits?
Even if they are not eaten at night, it must be recognized that these fruits have many benefits for the body. They prevent various diseases such as flu 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. As long as it is not at night, consuming citrus fruits helps protect the stomach, relieving heartburn.
In turn, taking citrus fruits helps prevent certain body conditions by purifying the organs and regenerating the tissues. Lemon, for example, helps to improve tooth enamel.
They are also good for headaches, especially natural juices. And 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.