Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
One of the most common breakfast meals in the world is porridge. Not only is porridge very fast to whip up, but it’s are also an amazing source of energy.
It is fairly common to see people eating many different forms of porridge as breakfast. However, have you ever one day thought about eating porridge for dinner?
Well, if you try it out and eat it for dinner, you might be surprised at some of the fantastic benefits you may experience.
So if you’re interested in knowing more about whether you should consider including porridge in your dinner plans, read on!
Disclaimer: You must always consult your doctor before including a new supplement or food into your daily routine as only your doctor can explain any pros or cons that are specific to you. Some supplements & foods may interfere with medications and/or cause allergic reactions.
But First, What is Porridge?
Porridge is a type of breakfast meal made from grains or starchy plants. The grains are usually boiled, crushed, or chopped in milk or water and can be taken with other flavorings such as honey, syrup, sugar, or dried fruits.
Porridge can also be mixed with vegetables, spices, or meat to create a savory meal.
Porridge can be made from different grains such as corn, wheat, rice, barley, and so on. However, the most common type of porridge is the oat porridge – commonly known as oatmeal.
There are many health benefits associated with porridge. Some of these are reduced blood sugar levels, reduced risk of heart disease, weight loss, and so on. We will consider more of these in-depth in the course of the article.
Eating Porridge Before Bed; Why You Might Want To Consider It
You come home after a long day at work, clean up, do some chores, eat dinner, and then the only thing left on your mind is to crash on your bed and finally get some shut-eye.
But two hours later, you’re still tossing around, and your eyes are wide open. You try all sorts of things like taking warm milk and counting backwards, but the sleep just won’t come.
Aside from implementing healthy late-night habits, eating porridge before bed or for dinner might make such troubles a thing of the past.
Here’s why.
Porridge, especially oatmeal, is an excellent source of melatonin. A hormone that’s known for its primary role in the wake-sleep cycle. In fact, many sleeping aids that doctors recommend contain melatonin.
It doesn’t end there. Oats and many grains are rich in elements like magnesium and calcium, which have been proven to help improve sleep quality too!
Additionally, most porridge meals are rich in fiber which can help fill you up and reduce hunger pangs at night.
Another reason you might want to include porridge in your dinner meal plans is because of the variety of toppings you can eat with it.
You can eat porridge before bed with fruits like bananas which contain serotonin and melatonin, two compounds that can induce sleep. Almonds, another potential topping, are also rich in magnesium and tryptophan, both of which have a naturally relaxing effect.
Toppings like honey can stimulate the production of melatonin too, which can make our bodies in a perfect state for sleeping.
However, just as it is with almost everything, moderation is required.
As beneficial as porridge can be to your health, you must pay careful attention when eating it. You should also ensure you’re eating porridge made from whole grains as they provide more benefit to your body than their processed counterparts.
Health Benefits of Eating Porridge
There are many varieties of porridge; however, virtually all of them have fantastic health benefits. We will consider some of those benefits below.
1. Porridge May Help With Weight Loss
Although whole grains have high carb content, they can still help you lose unwanted weight and fat. Because of their high fiber content, porridge made from whole grains can help you get leaner by reducing the rate at which you eat.
Fibers have a filling effect that can curb hunger, making you stay fuller for longer.
2. Porridge May Help Reduce Risk of Chronic Diseases
Porridge contains various nutrients that can help lower the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
This is because of the presence of antioxidants, phenolic acid, and a fiber called beta-glucan.
Beta-glucan has exceptional beneficial effects such as lowering cholesterol levels, anti-inflammation, and so on.
3. Porridge is Good For Gut Health
Prebiotic fibers like beta-glucan play an essential role in gut health.
Beta-glucan promotes the growth of helpful gut bacteria and helps them function correctly.
4. May Reduce Blood Pressure
Research has confirmed that avenanthramides – a form of antioxidants present in whole grains – can help increase the production of nitric oxide in the body.
Nitric oxide is one of the most important compounds in the body and essential for cardiovascular health. However, as we grow older, the body’s production of nitric oxide in the body decreases.
Taking whole grains will increase the production of nitric oxide in the body, thereby dilating blood vessels, allowing blood to flow easily, and reducing the risk of high blood pressure.
5. Helps to Balance Blood Sugar Levels
An increase in blood sugar level is caused when the body’s sensitivity to insulin decreases. This, in turn, leads to diabetes.
Beta-glucan in sources of porridge-like whole grain fibers like oats or barley helps to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, leading to a reduced blood sugar level.
Side Effects froM eATING Porridge
Porridge is made from whole grains, and there are various products in the market. Some of these products contain a high amount of sugar which can lead to some unfavorable side effects such as:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal discomforts
- Weight gain, if not eaten moderately.
- Not recommended for patients with celiac diseases.
- Patients with stomach or digestive disorders are also advised to abstain from porridge.
OUR FINAL THOUGHTS: Porridge Before Bed
Porridge meals are one of the best and most nutritious meals you can treat yourself too. They are bursting with nutrients that can provide immense health benefits for your body.
However, they should also be taken with care and moderacy as they can have some unsavory side effects.
But overall, having a small amount of porridge before bed or any time during the day promises a plethora of health benefits for you.