can i eat beetroot at night - #37179
I am really confused about eating beetroot at night. Recently, I started including more veggies in my diet, you know, like trying to eat healthier and all that. I’ve heard that beetroot is super good for you, packed with all these nutrients and stuff, and I love the taste. But then I came across some old saying that eating beetroot at night is not ideal? Like, seriously? I mean, the other night, I had this huge salad with beets, and they were delicious, but then I felt a little weird before bed. My stomach just felt sort of not right... could that have been the beetroot? Or maybe I just overdid it with my late-night munchie session overall?? I don’t feel any major issues during the day, but I don’t wanna mess anything. Is there a real reason why I shouldn't eat beetroot at night? Like, does it cause indigestion or something? Or is it personal? Some people said that beets can mess with your sleep, but I genuinely can’t find anything solid about it. If I can eat beetroot at night, how much is okay? Thanks for any help!
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Doctors’ responses
The question of whether eating beetroot at night is advisable can indeed lead to some confusion. In Ayurveda, the timing and choice of foods can affect digestion and overall health, importantly linked to the concept of agni, or digestive fire, which is said to be at its peak during the middle of the day. Eating heavy or overly substantial foods in the evening, when agni is lower, can lead to discomfort like what you described—it’s possible that the late-night salad affected your digestion.
Beetroot is known for its high nutrient content, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which is generally beneficial to health. However, it also contains certain compounds, such as oxalates, which can exacerbate digestive issues in some people, especially when eaten in excess. For some individuals this can cause a feeling of heaviness or bloating, especially when the digestion is weaker.
Additionally, beetroots are naturally high in sugar compared to many other vegetables. Eating them late at night might also lead to fluctuating energy levels or impacts on sleep, given the natural sugar intake. If you’ve sensed a repeated pattern of digestive upset after consuming beetroot at night, it might be best to avoid them close to bedtime or reduce the quantity.
In Ayurveda, consuming lighter, easily digestible foods during the evening is generally advised. This is not a blanket rule, as individual constitution (prakriti), lifestyle, and specific health conditions also play a role in dietary choices. If beetroot is causing you discomfort, try incorporating it earlier in the day, such as lunch when your digestive fire is stronger.
If you wish to continue eating beetroots at night, consider eating a smaller portion, perhaps 1/2 cup, along with balancing them with other digestively supportive foods like ginger or cumin. Cooked beetroots can also be less burdensome on the stomach than raw ones.
As always, pay attention to your bodies unique responses. If symptoms persist, it’d be beneficial to consult further with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice.

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