For some time, the idea that eating pineapple at night has extra benefits than when consumed at other times of the day has been popularized.
In particular, it is believed that its intake at these times promotes weight loss and improves sleep quality. However, before assuring this, it is convenient to review what the evidence is in this regard.
If you want to know all the benefits of pineapple, its nutrients, and what happens if you eat it overnight, we invite you to continue reading the article.
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Pineapple, a very nutritious tropical fruit
The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit native to South America, but today distributed throughout the world.
In the indigenous tribes of this continent, it was considered a symbol of hospitality. Today it is even valued as a medicinal food for its many properties.
Even so, it must be considered that it is not miraculous, and its e, effects are obtained when consumed as part of a healthy diet.
It stands out for its flavor and versatility and its essential nutrient content, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Due to its composition, for years, it has been the source of multiple investigations, especially for its relationship with the prevention of diseases.
Benefits of eating pineapple at night
Claiming that eating pineapple at night has more benefits than eating it during the day may be controversial.
For now, there is not enough evidence to show that the time of fruit intake increases or modifies its properties. Even so, it can be included in a recipe or eaten as a dessert at night without any problem.
Pineapple is a light fruit that provides vitamins C and group B, minerals such as potassium and magnesium, antioxidants, and fiber. Additionally, it is juicy and has a sweet taste that is pleasant to the palate.
Therefore, it represents an excellent option to calm hunger at night. Generally, we can list some benefits of eating this fruit as part of a healthy diet.
1. It can help you lose weight
Within the framework of an adequate plan (with diet, exercise, and other habits), pineapple consumption contributes to weight loss, regardless of the time consumed. One of its advantages is its low energy intake since each slice provides only 42 calories and a lot of water.
Additionally, it contains an enzyme called bromelain, whose assimilation is associated with metabolic benefits. AA study reported in Food Science and Biotechnology helped regulate serum leptin and insulin levels in mice fed a high-fat diet, promoting weight loss.
Its dietary fiber content is also highlighted, a nutrient associated with weight loss by promoting the feeling of satiety. In turn, it provides manganese, a mineral key to reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome.
2. At night, it would help to fall asleep
Beyond being a healthy option for the night, pineapple can be a suitable food to improve sleep quality.
In particular, and as detailed in a publication in the Journal of Pineal Research, it contributes to increasing melatonin levels in the body, a hormone that significantly regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
3. Improves digestion
Pineapple intake can improve the digestive process thanks to the presence of bromelain. This helps break down proteins and convert them into amino acids.
It also can increase the production of gastric juices, which also favors digestion. For this reason, it can significantly help those who suffer from problems with gastric emptying or hypochlorhydria.
4. Antioxidant capacity
Apart from its multiple nutrients, pineapple also contains other exciting compounds for health. Among them, several with antioxidant properties (flavonoids and phenolic compounds) stand out.
Antioxidants help reduce the adverse effects caused by oxidative stress. This can cause cell damage and is related to inflammatory health problems, weak immunity, cardiovascular pathologies, certain types of cancer, or diabetes.
5. Good for the skin
Another benefit of eating pineapple at night (or during the day) is its ability to nourish and provide hydration to the skin.
This is due to the high percentage of water it contains and the presence of some nutrients such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, or bromelain itself.
All this helps produce collagen, an essential skin structure component. It can also help heal and prevent damage caused by sun rays or aging.
Under what conditions is it not recommended to eat pineapple at night?
Whether eating pineapple at night is good depends mainly on each person’s characteristics. While some benefit from eating a small serving before bed, it may have the opposite effect on others.
Therefore, before consuming it, the following must be considered:
- Its habitual consumption is not recommended if the caloric needs have already been covered for the rest of the day. It is best to introduce it as part of the three recommended servings of fruit.
- In case of obesity or metabolic disorders, you should first consult your doctor. It should not be ignored that some studies associate night meals with a greater tendency to gain weight. And although pineapple provides few calories, the professional must evaluate these exceptional cases.
- You should avoid eating pineapple and other fruits before bed if there are digestive problems, such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome. It can cause stomach upset and therefore interrupted sleep. The same applies in the case of acid reflux or fructose malabsorption.
Ideas to introduce pineapple into everyday life
As with all fruits, it is best to eat pineapple naturally. A slice of pineapple cubes makes the day’s perfect dessert or snack.
However, other ways can also be considered healthy:
- Mixed with other fruits.
- Accompanied by a yogurt, to which nuts or seeds can be added.
- In the form of a shake: alone, with a variety of fruits, with dairy products, or with vegetable drinks.
- Added to salads, it provides a surprising texture and combination of flavors.
- For lovers of hot desserts, it can be roasted on a grill with a touch of cinnamon.
Using fresh pineapple and avoiding canned options containing added sugar or syrup is always preferable.
When choosing the pineapple, you should opt for those firm specimens without bruises or soft parts. These must be at their optimal point since they do not mature once collected.
These can be stored at room temperature while they are whole. Once cut, keeping them in the refrigerator for a few days is preferable.
What is there to remember about the advice to eat pineapple at night?
Although some claim that eating pineapple at night has more benefits, the truth is that it has not been proven that the time of consumption enhances or reduces its properties.
This fruit generally contains nutrients that are beneficial for health and weight loss. However, it is best to introduce it as one of a wide variety of fruits (and other foods) to make its contribution positive.
Among other things, caution must be taken for pre-existing metabolic disorders or digestive problems. In these conditions, it is better to discuss with the doctor if it is convenient to include it in the night diet.