Can you eat watermelon at night?

In this article, we will answer the question “Can you eat watermelon at night?” and discuss what are the drawbacks of eating watermelon at night.

Can you eat watermelon at night?

Yes, you can eat watermelon at night. Watermelon is a source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and fibers and may contribute to a healthy diet. 

As long as the watermelon is not consumed within 3 h of bedtime, it is unlikely to experience any negative effect of eating this fruit at night. Overall, meal timing may influence sleep quality in addition (1).   

What are the drawbacks of eating watermelon at night?

The possible drawbacks of eating watermelon at night are related to the negative effects of eating habits prior to sleep and to the fruit composition itself (4). Overall, studies suggest that consuming calories in the evening are associated with a higher body mass index.

A study among young students reported that those who ate within 3 h of bedtime were more likely to experience nocturnal awakenings (27.8%) than those who ate more than 3 h before bedtime (19.2%) (1).

According to the scientific literature, avoiding meals close to bedtime may improve sleep quality. It is thought that meals close to sleep time contribute to poor sleep quality through gastrointestinal discomfort, heartburn, and reflux (1).

Because of the high water content in watermelons, numerous visits to the bathroom may be necessary, which may lead to restless nights, sleep deprivation, and weariness the next day. According to studies, eating close to sleep predicts a higher total daily caloric intake in healthy adults, potentially increasing the risk of weight gain (1).

Watermelon contains a high amount of sugar and fibers, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal cramps, flatulence and bloating (4). The discomfort may have negative effects on sleep quality.

In addition, watermelon contains fructose, which is a FODMAP. FODMAPs are fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols that are poorly absorbed by the intestines, affecting the gastrointestinal tract. 

When these substances are fermented by intestinal bacteria, they cause changes in gas and fluid levels in the gut, leading to increased water content and contributing to the common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as abdominal pain, bloating, altered bowel habits, and excessive flatus. 

People suffering from IBS should avoid watermelon, especially at night (6).

What are the benefits of eating watermelon at night?

Consuming fruits and vegetables at night is considered to be positive to sleep quality when compared to eating habits that include high calories and fat. 

Research has shown that the composition of one’s evening meal can impact the time it takes to fall asleep. Specifically, a study demonstrated that meals that are high in calories and fat consumed within an hour of bedtime were associated with longer sleep onset latency, decreased sleep efficiency, and an increase in the number of times waking up during sleep. (1).

Consuming diets that are abundant in fruits and vegetables have been linked to various health advantages such as a decreased likelihood of obesity, heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. 

To encourage healthy eating habits, the World Health Organization advises individuals to consume a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, which equates to approximately 400 grams (5).

What are the benefits of eating watermelon?

The benefits of eating watermelon are antioxidants, vitamins and minerals of this fruit, which favors health. Watermelon is very nutritious due to the presence of vitamins A, and C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate (3) 

Lycopene, a vitamin found in watermelons, is good for your eyesight and heart health. Lycopene is a strong antioxidant and contributes to reducing inflammation. In addition, the high water content of watermelon helps to hydrate the body. 

Phytochemicals, vitamin C and minerals in watermelon, including magnesium and potassium, are important for maintaining normal blood pressure. Watermelon has low energy density and is therefore recommended for weight management.

What are the ways to eat watermelon at night?

There are many ways to eat watermelon at night, including (1):

  • Including in a fruit salad
  • As a juice
  • Adding to tomato salad

Remember to enjoy your watermelon at least 3 hours before you go to bed to avoid any negative effects of this meal.

Other FAQs about Watermelons that you may be interested in.

How to eat a watermelon?

How to tell if a watermelon is good?

How to Deseed a Watermelon

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “Can you eat watermelon at night?” and we discussed what are the drawbacks of eating watermelon at night.

Reference

  1. Chung, Nikola, et al. Does the Proximity of Meals to Bedtime Influence the Sleep of Young Adults? A Cross-Sectional Survey of University Students. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020, 17.  
  2. Baron, Kelly G., et al. Role of sleep timing in caloric intake and BMI. Obesity, 2011, 19, 1374-1381.
  3. Maoto, Makaepea M., Daniso Beswa, and Afam IO Jideani. Watermelon as a potential fruit snack. Int J food prop, 2019, 22, 355-370.
  4. Bailey, Stephen J., et al. Two weeks of watermelon juice supplementation improves nitric oxide bioavailability but not endurance exercise performance in humans. Nitric Oxide, 2016, 59, 10-20.
  5. Slavin, Joanne L., and Beate Lloyd. Health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Adv nutr, 2012, 3, 506-516.
  6. Barrett, Jacqueline S. How to institute the low‐FODMAP diet. J gastroenterol hepatol, 2017, 32, 8-10.