Last Updated on February 19, 2023 by theworldofsleepstaff
Beans before bed is an old folk remedy for a good night’s sleep. It’s been around for decades and has been used as a natural and effective home remedy to help people get the restful sleep they need.
Yet while there isn’t much scientific evidence to support this remedy, many swear by its effectiveness. So why not give it a try?
If you’re thinking about eating beans before bed and want to know what the impact it could have on you, then we look at that right here!
Note: This content is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment. Please consult a healthcare professional for any health-related issues.
Are Beans Good For Sleep?
Eating beans before bed is all about the type of beans you consume.
It may be good for you if you eat some white, pinto, or black beans an hour before bedtime. The idea behind this remedy is that the legumes’ complex carbohydrates give your body energy to last throughout the night whilst still helping to relax your muscles.
So yes, beans can be beneficial for sleep and help relaxation. Beans are also naturally high in fibre, providing additional nutrients that can help promote healthy digestion and overall circadian rhythm.
While beans are high in carbohydrates, they also contain healthy proteins and fibres that help to keep you full and energized during the night. As a result, eating beans before bed should not cause insomnia or any other type of sleep disturbance.
Instead, eating protein-rich foods like beans can improve your quality of sleep by helping to regulate your hormones.
Top 18 Benefits of Eating Beans Before Bed
1. Improves Sleep Quality
Eating beans before bed helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night, improving sleep quality overall.
2. Helps With Stress Relief
Beans are a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid thought to help reduce stress levels in your body, and which can also help you sleep better.
3. Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels
The complex carbohydrates in beans help to stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent them from dropping too low while you sleep. This helps to reduce the risk of waking up during the night due to a hypoglycemic episode.
4. Calms Digestive Issues
Beans contain B vitamins that help soothe digestive issues and reduce nighttime bloating.
5. Regulates Hormones
The fibre in beans helps to regulate hormones, leading to better sleep and reduced feelings of anxiety and depression.
6. Boosts Energy Levels
Beans are a good source of protein and complex carbohydrates, which provide your body with energy that can last through the night.
7. Aids Weight Loss
Beans are a low-calorie food that helps you feel complete for extended periods, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet and lose weight.
8. Enhances Mental Clarity
Beans are a good source of B vitamins, which can help boost cognitive function and memory.
9. Low In Fat
Beans contain low amounts of fat compared to other protein sources, making them an ideal option for reducing their total fat intake.
10. Enhances Overall Health
Beans contain nutrients and minerals that can help boost your overall health, such as folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
11. Increases Muscle Mass
Beans contain protein that can help build muscle mass combined with regular exercise.
12. Strengthens Bones
Beans are a good source of calcium, essential for strengthening bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
13. Improves Heart Health
Beans contain fibre that can help reduce harmful cholesterol levels and improve overall heart health.
14. Supports The Immune System
Beans are packed with antioxidants that can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy.
15. Aids In Digestion
The fibre in beans helps keep your digestive system functioning correctly, improving digestion and reducing gastrointestinal issues.
16. Reduces Inflammation
Beans contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
17. Regulates Blood Pressure
The magnesium in beans helps to regulate blood pressure levels, reducing the risk of hypertension.
18. Low In Sugar
Beans are low in sugar and fibre, making them an excellent snack for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels and reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.
What Is The Best Time To Eat Beans?
Although there is no single best time to eat beans, consuming them an hour or two before bedtime is generally recommended.
This will give your body enough time to digest the nutrients and provide you with energy throughout the night. Eating beans in this way can also help you get a better quality of sleep and provide numerous health benefits.
What To Do After Eating Beans At Night?
If you have eaten beans at night, it’s essential to pay attention to how your digestive system responds. Be sure to drink plenty of water afterwards and reduce the spicy or acidic foods you consume.
Eating a light snack before bed may also help settle your stomach, such as a banana or crackers with peanut butter.
Also, avoid lying down for at least an hour after eating to help your body digest the beans better. If you feel discomfort in your stomach after eating beans, try some light exercise or take a walk to help move things along.
Lastly, get plenty of rest and sleep on your side or stomach instead of your back. This can help reduce bloating and gas. Following these tips can help ensure you don’t experience any unpleasant digestive issues after eating beans at night!
Side Effects Of eATING Beans Before Bed
Eating beans before bed can have a few interesting side effects. For one, it can cause some digestive issues since beans are high in fibre and hard to digest — this could lead to gas, bloating, and discomfort throughout the night.
Additionally, eating a lot of beans carries the risk of indigestion or heartburn due to their high acidity.
Beans are also full of protein and carbohydrates, which could raise your blood sugar levels and keep you from getting a good night’s rest. Eating a lot of beans before bed could also make it difficult to fall asleep if your body is digesting food for too long.
Just try not to overindulge or consume too close to bedtime. It’s also essential to ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day so your body can adequately process the fibre and help with digestion. Doing this allows you to enjoy beans while avoiding potential adverse side effects.
FAQs
How long should you wait to lie down after eating beans?
It is recommended to wait at least one hour after eating beans before lying down to allow your body time to digest the nutrients.
Can you eat beans for dinner?
Yes, beans can be eaten for dinner as a balanced meal. However, it is best to eat them in moderation and combine them with other sources of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Are beans a good snack before bed?
Beans can be a good snack before bed as long as they are eaten in moderation. Beans contain protein, fibre, and other nutrients that sustain energy throughout the night.
However, paying attention to how your body responds and drinking plenty of water afterwards is essential. Eating a light snack before bed may also help settle your stomach, such as a banana or crackers with peanut butter.
Are beans bad for you?
Beans are not bad for you when eaten in moderation and are a nutritious snack! They are rich in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals and can help decrease the risk of certain diseases.
It is important to remember that they are high in fibre, so it’s best to eat them in moderation. Eating too many beans before bed could lead to digestive issues such as gas or bloating.
Can eating beans at night make you gain weight?
Eating too many can contribute to weight gain. Beans are full of protein and carbohydrates, so it is essential to monitor your portion sizes when consuming them. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is the best way to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Eating beans before bed can have some potential side effects, so it’s essential to pay attention and make sure you’re not overindulging.
Eating small portions of beans in moderation is generally okay. However, avoiding eating too close to bedtime or consuming large amounts is best.
If you experience discomfort after eating beans at night, it’s essential to ensure you drink plenty of water so your body can adequately process the fibre. Ultimately, eating a light snack such as a banana or crackers with peanut butter before bed is generally the best option for avoiding any adverse side effects.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to enjoy beans while still getting a good night’s rest.