We all know that eating fruits is great for health, but did you know that eating them at the wrong time or in the wrong way can actually harm your body? According to Ayurveda and gut health expert Dr. Dimple Jangda, many people make common mistakes while eating fruits, which can lead to digestive issues and other health problems. If you want to get the most out of your fruits, make sure to avoid these mistakes!
Not Just in the Morning – Eating Fruits in the Evening Can Be Good Too
Many people believe that fruits should only be eaten in the morning, but Dr. Jangda says that eating fruits in the evening can also be beneficial. However, it’s important to eat them at the right time and in the right way, or else they may do more harm than good.
Avoid Eating Fruits Right After a Heavy Meal
According to Dr. Jangda, fruits take about an hour to digest. If you eat them immediately after a heavy meal that includes rice, bread, vegetables, or meat, they may reach the small intestine undigested, leading to issues like gas, bloating, and indigestion. To avoid this, always wait at least two hours after a meal before eating fruits.
Don’t Wait Too Long Between Meals and Fruits – Some people eat fruits right after a meal, while others wait for several hours. However, experts recommend not keeping too long a gap between meals and fruit consumption. This rule applies not just for dinner but for all meals throughout the day. The best way to eat fruits is to either have them with your meal or at least two hours later.
Avoid Eating Fruits After Sunset – Fruits contain fumaric acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, and microbial enzymes, which can interfere with melatonin production, the hormone responsible for sleep. Eating an apple in the evening can have the same effect on your body as drinking a cup of coffee! This is why eating fruits after sunset is not advisable. Instead, the best time to eat fruits is around 4 PM, when your body needs an energy boost.
Eating Fruits with Meals Can Reduce Their Nutritional Benefits – Fruits are rich in fiber, vitamins, and essential micronutrients, but when eaten with meals, they don’t provide the same level of nutrition. To maximize their benefits, eat them on an empty stomach in the morning or at least two hours after a meal.
Stick to One Type of Fruit at a Time – Eating only one type of fruit at a time. Different fruits have different compositions. Some are citrus and acidic, Some are high in carbohydrates, Others are rich in vitamins and potassium. Mixing too many different types of fruits at once can cause digestive problems like bloating and acidity. So, it’s best to eat one fruit at a time instead of making a mixed fruit bowl.
