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Nowadays many people are constantly sleep deprived, so it is a priority for many to find natural ways to improve the quality of sleep. One of these ways is finding foods that help boost your body’s natural melatonin. Another solution is to find products that naturally have this hormone.
Grapes are often on the lists of foods to help you sleep better. In this article, we are going to look at the benefits of eating grapes at night as well as other health benefits of this berry.
Yes, it can be. Among the many foods you can eat before going to bed at night, grapes rank high on that list. This is largely due to the fact that they contain the hormone, melatonin.
In plants, this hormone works to boost a number of physiological actions, including growth, rooting, seed germination, photosynthesis, osmoregulation, and protection against abiotic and biotic stressors (14). In human beings, however, melatonin’s main purpose is to help regulate your circadian rhythm and sleep.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, this hormone is produced in the brain and is “activated” by darkness. Exposure to light blocks the production of this hormone and thus why you should have all lights off when you sleep.
Aside from the melatonin produced by our brains, we can also get it through dietary supplements, or from foods where it is naturally occuring (15).
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Yes, they can be.
If you are looking for a late night snack option, grapes are utterly perfect. Not only are they light and low in calories, but they also contain melatonin. As mentioned above, melatonin helps with the timing of your body’s circadian rhythm – your natural internal 24-hour clock – and sleep.
According to a review published in 2017, melatonin in grapes was first reported in 2006. Interestingly enough, melatonin is not only found in fresh grapes, but in many grape-related foods like wines, raisins (dried grapes), as well as grape juice and vinegar (16).
Contrary to popular belief, there is no best time to eat grapes, or any other kind of fruit for that matter. Despite this myth constantly circulating among all healthy eating communities, there is no scientific evidence stating that fruits are best eaten in the morning, afternoon, or night (28).
If you want to eat grapes for their multiple health benefits or simply because you crave them, go ahead and eat them. Timing doesn’t really matter. However, if you are consuming for their possible sleep-inducing benefits of eating grapes at night, a handful right before turning in for the night might be best.
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It depends. For most people, consuming grapes every day/night will not have any negative side effects. However, some people, due to their body’s compositions or medication are advised not to consume too many grapes.
These demographics include
Grapes are listed among high salicylate fruits alongside apples, apricots, oranges, berries, lemons and all kinds of melons (12). If you have been diagnosed with salicylate sensitivity/intolerance or perhaps experience the above symptoms anytime you consume these fruits, then consuming grapes often or every night is a terrible idea.
Aside from promoting better sleep, here are some other benefits of eating grapes at night – or any other time of day.
Not really.
Just like the belief that fruit should only be consumed at specific times of the day, the belief that eating fruit on an empty stomach is better is a myth. You will still get all the benefits of grapes whether you eat them on an empty stomach or after a meal.
Grapes come in a variety of colors, namely almost black to green, red, and amber. When it comes to sleep inducing benefits, the color of grape doesn’t matter as all types contain melatonin. Any variety you come across at your local grocery store will help you sleep.
Clearly one of the benefits of eating grapes at night is that it might help you sleep better due to the presence of melatonin in the fruit. However, just as there are foods that can help naturally induce sleep, so are there some that can make it harder to fall asleep.
Some of these foods include
You are also advised not to eat big heavy meals right before going as being too full can make your stomach feel uncomfortable which interrupts sleep.
As seen above, the benefits of eating grapes regularly may include various health benefits as well as better sleep.
Some sources state that the benefits of eating grapes at night for better sleep are best experienced if you consume this fruit about 2 to 3 hours before bed. However, there is no scientific evidence backing up these claims.
With that said, most melatonin tablets are often taken 1 to 2 hours before bed. You can try doing the same with your whole grapes.
Unless you are allergic to grapes or have a salicylate sensitivity/intolerance, chances are that you will not experience any adverse effects from eating these fruits.
Eating grapes at night might be beneficial.
Because they have melatonin in them, they may help you sleep better when consumed before bed.
Yes, there are potential green and red grapes benefits for skin.
Studies have not only shown resveratrol not only promotes collagen production, but when used in cosmetics, it penetrates the skin faster and protects against UV damage from sun rays (21, 23).
UV rays not only cause sunburn but can also lead to the premature aging of skin i.e wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, etc. Collagen helps keep the skin plump and youthful.
However, these possible benefits have been associated with topical application of resveratrol, not necessarily with eating grapes.
One study published in 2021 stated that resveratrol may help promote hair growth as it rapidly increases follicular cells that encourage hair growth (9). However, this study was in animals and in cells, and was looking at topical application – so implications for humans eating grapes are unclear.
The possible benefits of eating grapes at night is mostly linked to improving sleep due to the presence of melatonin in these fruits. However, the advantages of having this fruit in your diet goes beyond better sleep.
Consistent consumption of grapes provides nutrients and antioxidants that might support your immune system, heart health, brain health, and lower blood pressure. The possibilities are endless.
However, despite the numerous incredible potential benefits, not everyone should be consuming grapes. If you experience any discomfort or pain after consuming these fruits, be sure to speak to your doctor to find out what the issue might be.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making. Any action taken as a direct or indirect result of the information in this article is entirely at your own risk and is your sole responsibility.
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