Last Updated on February 16, 2023 by theworldofsleepstaff
A hot bowl of soup before bed can be a comforting and nourishing way to end the day. Not only does it provide a warm, soothing feeling that helps you relax, but it offers several nutritional benefits as well.
In fact not only that, but the right soup can be the perfect way to get ready for bed as it can help you feel sleepy too.
How? Well soup comprises a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. As the body breaks down these components, it produces sleep-inducing hormones like serotonin and melatonin. Additionally, warm soups can help relax your muscles and induce a feeling of calmness before bedtime.
If you’re thinking of adding soup to your evening routine then you’re in the right place! This article will discuss why having soup before bed is beneficial as well as give you tips on how to make the most out of it. Let’s get started!
Note: This content is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment. Please consult a healthcare professional for any health-related issues.
Is It Good Or Bad To Eat Soup Before Bed?
Eating soup before bed can be fine to do, and may also have several health benefits as we’ll show you more below.
However, you must ensure you choose healthy ingredients and don’t eat too late at night. Eating soup high in fat, sugar or salt can also cause digestive problems and interfere with sleep.
As long as you choose a nutritious soup and eat it at least two hours before bedtime, you should be able to reap the benefits of eating soup before bed.
A couple of hours before bed will allow your body enough time to digest the food and ensures that you won’t experience indigestion or disturbed sleep due to eating too close to bedtime.
Waiting two hours will also help ensure you don’t experience an energy crash at night.
Top 12 Nutritional Benefits of Having Soup Before Bed
Soups made with high-quality ingredients and low in fat, sugar and sodium are the best for pre-bedtime snacking. Vegetable soups can be especially beneficial because they are rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, B6 and C, fibre and antioxidants. The key is to choose a healthy soup.
The right soup can be an excellent source of nutrients and vitamins that can help your body rest and relax before bedtime.
Here are the top 12 nutritional benefits of having a bowl of soup before bed:
1. Protein
Soup tends to contain a good dose of protein, which helps with muscle recovery and can help you sleep more soundly.
But the amount of protein in a bowl of soup depends on the ingredients you use. For instance, if you choose a vegetarian option like lentil soup, it will provide more protein than something like tomato bisque.
With protein being so crucial for your body’s recovery and repair processes, choosing a soup with the right amount of protein is essential.
2. Vitamins & Minerals
Soup often contains vitamins and minerals to help you sleep better at night. Vegetables are exceptionally high in these nutrients, so try to include as many vegetables as possible in your soup.
You can also boost the nutrition content of soup by adding herbs, spices, and other healthy ingredients like nuts and seeds. This can help to make your bowl of soup more nourishing and satisfying.
3. Fiber
Fibre is essential for digestion and helps you feel full, which in turns stop you from having cravings late at night. Soup can be a great source of dietary fibre, essential for good health and avoiding hunger at night.
Eating a bowl of soup before bed can make it easier to resist late-night snacking and help you stick to your diet.
4. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential for fighting off free radicals that can damage your cells and lead to premature ageing. Good soup contains antioxidants, so having a warm bowl before bed can help you be healthier and look younger.
5. Hydration
Soup is mainly made up of liquid, so it’s a great way to stay hydrated when you don’t feel like drinking plain water before bed.
This can also help reduce thirst at night and ensure your body has all the water needed to stay healthy.
6. Comfort
A warm and comforting soup before bed is an excellent way to relax and unwind after a long day.
The soothing feeling of the steamy broth helps you to de-stress, while the smell can be incredibly calming and help you drift off into sleep more easily.
7. Healing Properties
Soup is known for its healing properties; some are even considered medicinal. Whether you opt for chicken soup or vegetable broth, the soup’s warmth can help reduce inflammation and eliminate aches or pains.
8. Improved Digestion
Soup can help improve digestion by aiding your body in breaking down food more quickly and efficiently. In addition, the liquid helps to soften the food, which makes it easier for your body to extract all the nutrients from what you eat.
9. Sleep-Promoting Compounds
Soup contains several sleep-promoting compounds like tryptophan and magnesium. These compounds help calm your body and mind, so you can relax and quickly fall asleep.
10. Calorie Control
Having a warm bowl of soup before bed is an excellent way to reduce your overall calorie intake for the day.
Soup tends to be low in calories but high in nutrients, making it perfect for weight loss and helping you control your calorie intake.
11. Iron
Iron is essential for healthy blood, and having a bowl of soup before bed may help you get enough iron into your diet. Iron helps keep your energy levels up during the day and ensures that all your organs function correctly.
12. Energy Boost
The carbohydrates and proteins in soup provide a slow release of energy that can help keep you going throughout the day.
In addition, having a bowl of soup before bed keeps your energy levels stable so that you don’t have to worry about feeling drained or sluggish in the morning.
6 Common Side Effects & Precautions
1. Bloating
Eating a large bowl of soup before bed can cause you to feel bloated, especially if it’s high in sodium or other ingredients that can expand your stomach.
To reduce the risk of bloating, opt for soups with natural ingredients and low amounts of salt.
2. Acid Reflux
Dairy-based soups and highly spiced soups can aggravate acid reflux. Instead, opt for low-fat vegetable soup or broth to reduce the risk of heartburn or indigestion.
3. Weight Gain
Eating a large bowl of soup before bed can add extra calories to your daily intake, leading to weight gain. To avoid this, opt for soups that are low in fat and calories but high in protein and healthy carbohydrates.
4. Dehydration
Although soup can help keep you hydrated throughout the day, it’s also essential to have a glass of water before bed. This will ensure that your body stays sufficiently hydrated while you sleep.
5. Interference with Sleep
Eating soup too close to bedtime can interfere with your sleep because it takes time for your body to digest the food. To avoid this, try to have your last bowl of soup at least two hours before sleep.
6. High-Calorie Intake
Some soups can be high in calories and fat, so paying attention to the ingredients of the soup you choose is essential. To reduce your calorie intake, opt for broth-based soups or vegetable-based soups that are low in fat and sugar.
FAQs
How long should I wait to sleep after eating soup?
It is recommended to wait at least an hour after eating soup before bed. This gives your body time to digest the food and absorb all the nutrients it needs for a good night’s sleep.
What are some healthy ingredients I can add to soup?
Healthy ingredients like vegetables, herbs, spices, legumes, and lean proteins are all excellent additions to soup. If you’re looking for healthy fats, try adding nuts or seeds.
Is it reasonable to have vegetable soup at night?
Yes, vegetable soup is an excellent source of nutrition and can provide a healthy meal before bed. Just be sure to watch out for high sodium levels or added fats that can interfere with your sleep.
Our Final Thoughts
In conclusion, eating soup before bed can be beneficial if you choose healthy ingredients and wait two hours between eating and sleeping.
Soup is full of nutrients that can help to improve digestion, fight off free radicals, and provide a slow release of energy throughout the night.
As long as it’s consumed at the right time, you should be able to enjoy all the benefits that soup has to offer.