Eating Oranges Before Bed: How Can Oranges Affect Sleep?

Introduction

Different foods before bed is a debatable matter. But what about oranges?

It is assumed that consuming oranges before bed would be a bad idea since they’re full of sugar, and in fact, that is right. But is it possible to get all the benefits of oranges before bedtime and avoid the side effects?

In this article, we talk about oranges’ benefits, the side effects of eating an orange before bedtime, and how we can avoid these side effects and use them to raise our sleeping quality.

You’d be surprised how eating an orange can be beneficial to our health.

Eating Oranges Health Benefits (Pros)

Can Help Make You Energetic Like Caffeine

Because oranges have an invigorating smell, they can greatly enhance brain function. Eating oranges can help you stay as alert and active as usual through the night.

A Source for Vitamins and Other Nutrition Needed by The Body

Oranges are a great choice for anyone on a diet. You can get a substantial number of important vitamins and other nutrients, as well as antioxidants, by eating oranges.

To learn more about antioxidants, check out our article about the benefits of taking alpha-lipoic acid, which is a type of antioxidant.

Good Source of Fiber

Eating foods rich in fiber can help reduce stomach issues like abdominal pain and relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. According to research, oranges are high in fiber, and one orange (around 140 grams) has about 10% of the daily value packed into it.

Help Reduce Inflammation

This signifies that they contain a high concentration of anti-inflammatory elements, in this case, antioxidants. Antioxidant-rich foods are more effective than medication at reducing chronic inflammation.

Can Lower Your Blood Pressure Levels

Oranges are full of minerals, especially potassium, and antioxidants, which can help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and controlling blood flow.

Check out our articles about Slippery Elm and Alpha-Lipoic Acid, which can also help lower blood pressure and assist diabetic patients in regulating their blood pressure.

Can Assist in Weight Loss

Citrus fruits like oranges have been shown to aid with weight loss. Because of their high water and fiber content, oranges are a healthy snack that will fill you up. They’re fantastic for your diet and for helping you lose weight. Oranges can be used in a wide variety of recipes, and they always taste great.

Why Eating Oranges Before Bed Might Be a Bad Idea? (Cons)

Might Increase Allergies

Avoid eating an orange before bed if you have seasonal allergies. This is because histamines, found in oranges, are a known allergen trigger. Even though it may not happen often, people have been known to be allergic to oranges and grapefruits. Symptoms like a rash, swelling, itching, nausea, and vomiting are some of the possible reactions.

Can Lead to Acid Reflux And Increase GERD Symptoms

Because of the high levels of citric acid that they contain, citrus fruits like oranges stimulate the production of more acid in the stomach. If you suffer from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you should limit or eliminate your consumption of oranges as it can make the GERD symptoms worse.

Might Cause Stomach Discomfort

Due to their high fiber content, oranges should be avoided before bedtime. Nighttime consumption of oranges has been linked to gastrointestinal distress.

Can Cause Enamel Erosion/Tooth Cavity

Acid attacks are the leading cause of dental enamel erosion. Acids in citrus fruits can wear away tooth enamel, making cavities more likely, especially if you don’t take good care of your teeth and wash them regularly.

Conclusion

We do not advise eating oranges before bedtime due to the negative effects that can result from doing so or from eating excessive amounts of oranges every day in general.

Instead, you can eat an orange or two about 2 to 3 hours before bedtime and eat things like yogurt or oatmeal with them to help ease the side effects on the stomach and help the stomach digest it more smoothly and quickly.

Or you can take the easier route and eat oranges in the morning, as early as possible, to make good use of the alerting properties and vitamins and minerals that can assist your body during the day, whether they're in juice form or natural form.