These days, many individuals are much less concerned with their diet than they once were. Most individuals eat everything they can get their hands on, regardless of how it may affect their health or ability to get a good night’s rest.
Additionally, some people’s financial situations have forced them to eat at night, even if it means eating unhealthy food. They are not to blame, especially in light of the current economic circumstances in the country.
You should have dinner no later than 7 or 6 o’clock, according to medical professionals. This will ensure that your digestive system has adequate time to process the meal. Eating late at night can have serious health consequences, including an increase in acid reflux, a decrease in weight, and even an adverse effect on blood sugar or blood pressure.
Some of these meals are responsible for giving you a belly ache, a lack of appetite, and a stomach ache after eating them. It’s important to take something light at night for digestion’s sake and the body’s overall health. There are a number of other drawbacks to eating late at night that you should be aware of.
Some of the foods that you should avoid eating late at night will be discussed in this post.
1. Eba (“Swallow”)
Many Nigerians would starve without this staple of Nigerian cuisine. Because it is prepared using garri, it is known by other names among different tribes. But here’s the catch: While it may satisfy your hunger, this meal may be difficult to digest. The result could be abdominal fat and sleeplessness.
The constipation that it sometimes produces is a real health risk.
As a high-carbohydrate meal, eba is also a calorie dense food. If you’re trying to lose weight, these calories could be counterproductive.
Although pounded yam is safe to eat before bed, it’s not a good idea to eat anything else that needs to be swallowed.
2. Beans
Like rice, beans are one of those foods that most people can’t live without. Beans, according to studies, are an excellent source of both protein and growth-promoting carbohydrates for the body.
If you consume beans late at night, especially with bread or garri, you may get indigestion and constipation.
Though eating beans for dinner could satisfy your hunger, the pain you might experience is not necessarily a plus. You may have to get up several times during the night to urinate or go to the bathroom.
3. Pepper soup
Likewise, this is a staple in Nigerian households and is highly regarded. For a traditional Yoruba supper, you can pair it with yam, cooked plantain, rice, or cornmeal (Eko). A lot of people think of pepper soup as a light dinner to eat before bed, but they don’t realize that the pepper and spices in it could keep them awake. This is a dish that many Nigerians wish they could eat at all hours of the day and night, but be warned that doing so could be fatal.
4. Caffeinated or carbonated drinks
Coffee and soda both have carbonated water and caffeine in them. Carbonated drinks, such as Coca-Cola, 7-Up, Fanta, Soda, and other carbonated drinks, should not be consumed within a few hours of bedtime. If you add it to your dinner, you will lose weight, get rid of belly fat, have less teeth enamel, and be overweight.
Fruit juice, milk, or water are all acceptable alternatives. For your health, this is a better option.
Coffee, tea, and soda all have negative effects on sleep quality. It may give you a short burst of energy, but it will eventually lead to insomnia and restlessness. Caffeine in it is responsible for this effect.
5. Spicy foods
Many people can identify with this. Consuming spicy foods late at night is known to cause sleep disruptions. Constipation and acid reflux are common side effects of eating spicy foods. Spicy foods are best eaten first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. Having it for dinner could lead to gastrointestinal distress and discomfort all night.
