Ms. Ekta Singhwal, a nutritionist working at Ujala Cygnus Hospital (India), said that citrus fruits contain fiber that helps improve digestive health, prevent constipation and support a healthy gut microbiome.
However, for many people, eating citrus fruits too close to meals can lead to some of the following problems, according to the Health Shots news site.
Eating grapefruit, oranges and tangerines right after meals may not be good.
1. Affects digestion
Citrus fruits are acidic, and eating them right after a meal can upset some people’s digestion. The acidity can cause discomfort, indigestion, or heartburn, especially in people prone to acid reflux. People with sensitive digestive systems may also experience bloating if they eat grapefruit, oranges, or tangerines after a meal.
Wait about 30 minutes or 1 hour after a meal before eating citrus fruits.
2. Absorb nutrients
Some compounds in citrus fruits can interfere with the absorption of nutrients if eaten after a meal. This can affect the effects of essential minerals and vitamins.
These are polyphenols, tannins and oxalates. They can form complexes with calcium and iron, reducing the absorption of these substances if eaten in large amounts immediately after meals.
3. Causes fluctuations in blood sugar levels
If eaten immediately after a meal, the natural sugars in citrus can still cause blood sugar to spike and then crash. Experts say this can lead to feelings of fatigue or cravings for snacks.
4. May cause weight gain
Citrus fruits still contain calories. Consuming too much, especially after a meal, can lead to excess calories, leading to weight gain over time.
5. Drug interactions
Experts say grapefruit, oranges, and tangerines can interact with certain medications, affecting their absorption or effectiveness.
Grapefruit in particular can interact with various medications, affecting the effectiveness of drugs such as high cholesterol drugs (atorvastatin and simvastatin) and blood pressure drugs (nifedipine, felodipine and amlodipine).
So when is the best time to eat grapefruit, oranges, and tangerines?
Incorporating citrus fruits into your diet can have many health benefits, but remember not to eat them right after a meal. It is best to wait about 30 minutes or an hour before eating, according to Health Shots.
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