What Is the Best Time to Eat Fruits? A Doctor Answers

Wanting a quick snack and you choose to have freshly sliced kiwis or bananas. Whether you have it in the morning as an early breakfast or as a midnight snack, fruits are considered to be one of the healthiest foods for our body. However, are we truly reaping its benefits?

It is always recommended to have seasonal fruits every day just like your other meals. "There is a common notion that fruits can be consumed at any time but this is not true at all" shares Daljit Kaur, Chief Dietitian, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi.

This is why the timing of consuming fruits matters. Most people like to eat fruits on an empty stomach. This is because the myth claims that eating fruit with meals can result in slower digestion and can lead to gas, discomfort and a range of other issues. 

"Well, it’s true that the fibre in fruit can slow the release of food from our stomach, the rest of these claims are not true. But eating fruit with a meal can slow the emptying of your stomach but only by a small amount. This is actually a good thing as it may help you feel fuller and more cut back on calories" shares Dr Diljeet.

However, she warns that for those who are diabetic, eating fruit on an empty stomach is harmful, rather it should be taken between two heavy meals to reduce the gap between them. Dr Diljeet adds that "consuming fruits before sleeping is not good. Instead, consume it at least two hours before sleep." The reason being as it can spike one's blood sugar levels and it becomes difficult to sleep.

"Therefore, we always recommend having dinner or lunch including fruits at least two hours before one goes to sleep so that the digestion can take place smoothly" she lastly adds.