Do you find yourself craving a midnight snack but worrying about eating late in the night?
Fruits make a great snack to eat at night.
Not only are fruits delicious and satisfying, but some varieties also improve sleep, aid in digestion, and promote weight loss.
In this article, we'll explore the best fruits to eat at night and why you should consider them as a night snack.
Best Fruits to Eat Before Bed
Bananas
Bananas are among the best fruits to eat at night for good reason.
They are a great source of potassium, which helps to relax muscles and improve sleep quality.
Bananas are also high in vitamin B6 which produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
These sweet fruits are rich in fiber which aids in digestion and promote feelings of fullness.
They are also a good source of vitamin C and manganese for immunity and blood sugar regulation.
Cherries
Cherries are another great fruit to eat at night, especially tart cherries.
They contain natural melatonin, which can help to regulate your sleep cycle and improve sleep quality.
Cherries are also high in antioxidants to protect the body from free radicals.
They are also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, which can help to promote digestion, immunity, and heart health.
Kiwi
Kiwi is a small but mighty fruit that is packed with nutrients.
It is high in vitamin C which boosts immunity and reduces inflammation.
Kiwi is also rich in fiber which promotes food digestion.
The most beneficial property of kiwi is its high levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep and improves mood.
Studies have shown that eating kiwi before bed can improve sleep onset, duration, and efficiency.
Pineapples
Pineapples are full of vitamin C.
Even though this vitamin is mostly known for boosting immunity, it plays a role in boosting sleep.
Vitamin C helps to increase the length of sleep and prevent sleep apnea in older adults.
Pineapples also have high levels of serotonin and melatonin which regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
Avocado
Avocados are packed with healthy fats and nutrients.
They are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help to improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation.
Avocados are also a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin E which promote a healthy heart and facilitate digestion.
What makes avocados a great fruit to eat at night is the levels of magnesium. Magnesium relaxes the muscles and promotes the quality of sleep.
Figs
Figs are sweet and chewy fruits high in nutrients. They are a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
Figs are great to eat at night because of their high levels of tryptophan.
Tryptophan is an amino acid that reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and also improves sleep quality.
Melons
Melons are hydrating fruits rich in vitamins and other nutrients.
They are a good source of vitamin C which is shown to aid sleep duration.
Melons are also rich in potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and promote heart health.
What makes melons a great nighttime snack is the water content.
Eating melons at night increases your hydration levels reducing the risk of waking up thirsty in the middle of the night.
Apples
Apples are a good source of fiber which helps in digestion and helps to achieve deeper sleep.
Antioxidants are present in apples and they help restore the body’s equilibrium during sleep making it more restful.
Apples are also high in vitamin C and contain melatonin in their peels.
These two nutrients are linked to improved immunity, sleep quality, and managing sleep disorders.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are versatile fruits consumed in a variety of ways.
They are a good source of vitamins, potassium, and lycopene.
Studies have linked the consumption of tomatoes to an increase in the circulation of melatonin and an improvement in sleep quality.
Oranges
Oranges are sources of vitamin C and antioxidants.
These nutrient-rich fruits facilitate faster repair of body cells and healing.
Oranges are also rich in fiber to regulate blood sugar levels and magnesium which reduces nighttime awakenings and increases sleep duration.
Conclusion
Don’t be afraid of snacking at night.
With the right fruit, you can maintain your fitness goals, manage your digestion and improve the quality of your sleep.
The fruits discussed are all excellent options to eat at night.
The next time you reach for a late-night snack, consider either of them.