Dec. – 16: FOOD AND HEALTHÂ
There’s a right time to eat these healthy foods
Eating healthy is not just a question of what or how much you eat. When is equally important, say food and nutrition experts. True, we can’t look at theclock every time we eat something. But, a little awareness about what to eat when will promote digestion and overall health.
Find out when to eat these 10 healthy foods:
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Figs and apricots
Eat early in morning: They boost the metabolism and warm up the digestive system.
Avoid at night: It might lead to indigestion and gas formation.
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Apples
Eat in morning: Apple peel has the fibre pectin that helps in bowel movements and prevents constipation.
Avoid in evening and night: Apple’s organic acids may lead to discomfort. Moreover, pectin may burden the digestive system.
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Sugar
Eat in morning: The body’s insulin is more effective in using up sugar at this time. Higher metabolism and activity levels also aid this process.
Avoid at night: Your blood sugar levels will shoot up and your energy levels will rise and fall which will disrupt your sleep.
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Coffee
Drink in morning or afternoon: The caffeine in coffee will get rid of sleepiness and give your body a jolt of energy.
Avoid after 7 pm: Caffeine will interfere with the sleep cycle and might lead to water loss from the body making you want to pee often during the night.
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Pulses and beans
Eat in morning or afternoon: They get digested properly.
Avoid at night: These high-fibre foods are difficult to digest at night and may cause gastric disturbances.
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Cheese
Eat early in day: It is a good source of protein and calcium. But consume in moderation as it leads to weight gain.
Avoid in the evening and night: It is difficult to digest.
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Curd
Eat in the day: It assists in digestion and is a probiotic which strengthens your gut.
Avoid at night: It may give you a cold or cough as it leads to mucus formation.
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Banana
Eat at noon: This highly fibrous fruit helps digestion and works as a natural antacid. It also gives sustained energy and keeps you feel full for a long time. It’s a perfect ‘before workout’ food too.
Avoid at night: It may lead to cold in some people.
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Walnuts and cherries
Eat at night: They are good bedtime snacks as they increase the sleep hormone melatonin.
Avoid cherries in afternoon: Eating cherries in the afternoon may make you sleepy. Walnuts are a brain-boosting food and can be eaten anytime.
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Rice
Eat at night: It is easy to digest and will help you sleep better. But, a large portion size may make you feel uncomfortable.
Avoid in afternoon: It might lead to a sudden sugar rise followed by a slump. It might also make you sleepy.
Sources: www.indiatimes.com, www.livestrong.com, www.womenshealthmag.com
