Is eating tomatoes at night bad for you? What nobody told you about this common habit!

Tomatoes and their nutritional composition

First of all, it's worth remembering: the tomato is technically a fruit (although it is used as a vegetable), and is rich in lycopene, vitamin C, potassium, fiber and antioxidants. It helps prevent cardiovascular disease and even certain types of cancer, according to Harvard Health Publishing and the US National Institute of Health (NIH).

And at night? What are the possible effects?

Although tomatoes are not harmful on their own at night, there are some situations in which they can cause discomfort:

1. Reflux and acidity

• Tomatoes are acidic and can therefore aggravate gastroesophageal reflux, especially if eaten raw or in large quantities before going to bed.
• According to the Cleveland Clinic, acidic foods at night can disturb sleep and cause a burning sensation.

2. Slow digestion

• For some people, combining tomatoes with other ingredients (heavy sauces, cheeses, sausages) at night can slow down digestion, which interferes with rest.

3. Serotonin production and sleep

• Interestingly, tomatoes contain tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin, which can help regulate sleep - but in too small a quantity to have a real effect on its own.

When is tomato safe (and even beneficial) at night?

• If you don't suffer from reflux, consume in moderate quantities and prefer boiled or baked versions, tomatoes can perfectly well be part of your dinner.
• Combine it with light protein sources (eggs, chicken, tofu), whole grains or warm salads.
• Avoid industrialized sauces with excess fat or salt, which are the real villains.

When to avoid:

• People with gastritis, reflux or digestive sensitivity should avoid raw tomatoes or too many at night.
• Especially before bedtime (1-2 hours), to avoid abdominal discomfort.

Conclusion: Is eating tomatoes at night bad for you?

Not necessarily. Tomatoes are still a healthy and functional food, but they should be eaten with awareness, especially in the evening. If you have gastrointestinal problems, you may want to avoid it or adjust the way you prepare it.

Final tip:

If you notice heartburn, burning or discomfort when you eat tomatoes at night, do a test: remove them for a few days and observe how your body reacts. If you have any doubts, consult a nutritionist or gastroenterologist.

Sources:

• Cleveland Clinic
• Harvard Health
• NIH