A recent study conducted in France suggests that eating dinner after 9pm may significantly increase the risk of strokes and mini-strokes. The study, which examined over 100,000 individuals, focused on their meal schedules through extensive food diaries.
According to the findings, those who ate dinner after 9pm were found to be 28% more likely to experience a stroke or mini-stroke compared to those who dined before 8pm. The study spanned an average of seven years and identified approximately 2,000 cases of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
The research emphasizes the significance of meal timing and proposes that our evolutionary patterns favor earlier eating. Animal studies have also shown potential associations between late-night digestion and elevated blood sugar and pressure, but more research is needed to draw definitive links.
Dr. Bernard Srour, the senior author of the study, has highlighted the health risks associated with late-night dining, particularly for individuals with busy schedules. Every hour delay in dinner was found to be linked to an 8% increased risk of strokes or mini-strokes, but no heightened risk of coronary heart problems.
Interestingly, every hour delay in breakfast was associated with a 6% higher risk of various cardiovascular diseases, especially for women participants. This supports earlier research suggesting that prolonged overnight fasting may contribute to better health outcomes, particularly for those who eat dinner early.
The findings of the study highlight the importance of considering meal timing as a factor that may impact health. This is particularly relevant for women, who constituted nearly 80% of the study participants. The study, which was published in Nature Communications, delves into the relationship between breakfast and dinner timings and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
As this research continues to shed light on the potential risks of late-night dining, individuals are encouraged to make conscious decisions about their meal timing to prioritize their health and well-being.
