EARLY DINNER: NEED OF THE HOUR

Early dinner or the practice of eating before sunset, is a tradition followed by many communities world wide, where they consume their last meal of the day before sunset. This practice is believed to have several health benefits, backed by research.

Improves digestion

According to Ayurveda, the last meal of the day should be consumed at least two to three hours before bedtime. Jain Chouvihar adheres to this principle, as the meal is consumed before sunset. This gives the body enough time to digest the food properly and prevent digestive issues such as acidity, bloating, and indigestion.

How can eating before sunset promote better digestion?

• Reduces the risk of acid reflux: Eating before sunset can reduce the risk of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants who ate their last meal of the day earlier had a reduced risk of GERD.

• Promotes better absorption of nutrients: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that consuming meals earlier in the day can improve insulin sensitivity, which can lead to better absorption of nutrients from the food.

•  Improves gut health: A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants who ate their last meal of the day earlier had improved bowel movements and a reduced risk of constipation.

• Improved metabolism: A study published in the journal Obesity Reviews found that consuming meals earlier in the day can improve the synchronization of the body's circadian rhythms, which can improve metabolism and digestion.

Promotes weight loss

Eating before sunset can help in weight loss by improving metabolism and reducing the total calorie intake. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that eating an early dinner helped in reducing body fat and improving insulin sensitivity in overweight individuals.

Reduces the risk of chronic diseases

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating before sunset can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The study found that consuming the last meal of the day before 7 pm was associated with a lower risk of these diseases

Improves sleep quality

Eating before sunset can improve sleep quality by regulating the body's circadian rhythm. A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that eating dinner earlier in the day was associated with better sleep quality in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the practice of eating before sunset has several health benefits backed by research. It can improve digestion, promote weight loss, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve sleep quality, and increase mindfulness while eating.