Have you been told that eating anything just before going to bed may create problems for you? You may have experienced something like that when you ate late and couldn’t sleep on time.
You must have been told that eating at that time of the day can also to your weight. All these facts are real as whatever food you eat will remain in your stomach throughout the night, and this makes you add unnecessary weight.
But what if you suddenly start feeling hungry just three hours after having dinner? Well, there is good news! You can eat apples and not be affected with any of the negativities that come with eating after dinner or at night.
Apples contain several sleep-promoting minerals and vitamins as well as polyphenol antioxidants which enhance the quality of your sleep. Since it is a fiber-rich and nutrient-dense fruit, apples make you feel full and fulfilled, thus stopping your craving for food.
When you eat apples, the fruits improve breathing, reduces blood sugar and blood pressure as well. They also instigate the human body to produce serotonin which is necessary for calming and relaxing your nerves. This is highly essential if you must have a good night’s sleep.
Let us take a more critical look at the nutrients you stand to enjoy when you eat apples at night:
Fiber and water
About 86 percent of an apple is water, yet it also contains about 15 percent of your recommended fiber intake daily. There are two forms of fiber present in an apple: the soluble and insoluble fiber. It is this insoluble fiber that makes you feel heavy when you eat apples at night, thus preventing from eating more food.
It also prevents you from waking up at intervals to use the restroom and promotes digestion as well. Thirdly, the insoluble fiber helps in retaining the water you consume when you eat an apple. The soluble fiber, in contrast, is broken down by the human body and is known to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Thus, it promotes better blood circulation as well as better sleep after a while.
Polyphenols
This is an antioxidant that is present in the skins of apples. Polyphenols – Quercetin in particular – helps to control the breakdown of carbohydrates and also lowers blood sugar. This, in turn, prevents large and sudden spikes in blood sugar by making your body to process food slowly. Another blood-sugar regulating polyphenol is Phlorizin which also helps in controlling blood glucose levels when you sleep.
Vitamins and minerals
Apples are an excellent source of potassium, and vitamins C and B6. Vitamin C minimizes blood pressure, enhances breathing and reduces blood sugar while potassium and vitamin B6 stimulate better sleep. Vitamin B6 reduces stress and also helps you to enjoy better rest at night by encouraging the release of serotonin, a mood-elevating neurotransmitter.
It is also responsible for breaking down fats, thus releasing energy for you to use when you wake up the next morning.
Carbs, calories, and fat
Apples contain zero fat with low-calorie content; it only adds about 95 calories to your recommended daily intake. Although most apples provide approximately 10 percent of your regular carb, it is obtained from the simple sugars and fibers found in the fruit. The slow breaking down of simple sugars in apples makes you fill yourself up and remain that way throughout the night.
Do you need an apple? I invite you to eat one right now!
