Popular belief tells us that eating oranges at night is bad for your health, but is that really the case? Let’s find out what the science says.
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Who has never heard the expression “orange in the morning is gold, in the afternoon it is silver and at night it kills”? This phrase associates the benefits and harms of an orange with the time of day it is eaten, but is it really true that eating orange at night it’s dangerous?
The origin of this popular belief related to the danger of eating oranges at night is unknown. It seems to have been created in the 19th century, and is now completely widespread among us. Let’s find out what science’s point of view is on possible problems related to eating oranges at night.
Benefits of eating oranges
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, is recommended, as it contributes to preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, orange consumption seems to be beneficial for patients who have “kidney stones”, reducing their formation. Other benefits are pointed out to the consumption of oranges, such as their contribution to fixing iron in the body and to the growth and healing of tissues.
Vitamin C, present in oranges, is considered a exciting and stimulating vitamin, to which some people are more sensitive. It is recommended for these people that the consumption of foods rich in vitamin C be done in the morning, in order to help the organism to have the necessary energy for daily activities.
Perhaps the popular belief that eating oranges at night is bad is due to this stimulating effect. Those people with greater sensitivity to the stimulating effect of orange could be more alert and have greater difficulties in initiating night sleep. However, although this idea is widespread, there are no scientific studies showing that vitamin C impairs sleep.
On the other hand, recent studies have shown that the consumption of oranges can actually be beneficial in terms of sleep. Eating oranges seems to increase levels of melatonin, the main hormone responsible for sleep, helping you sleep better.
Eating orange at night: yes or no?
Yea! The expression “orange in the morning is gold, in the afternoon it is silver and at night it kills” seems to have no scientific basis, being just one among many myths related to food.
There is therefore no evidence to prove that the time of day when eating oranges influences their effect on the body. Therefore, the orange can be consumed at any time of the day. If you like to eat oranges at night, you can do so!
