Salad is a classic, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for every season. From refreshing summer fruit compotes to hearty winter bowls, they bring crispness and freshness to the table. Over the past few years, salads have become a favorite for people trying to lose weight, due to their low-calorie, high-nutrient profile. But here’s the thing: Many people think that eating a salad of raw vegetables at night is an easy way to feel light before going to bed. Truth? Experts advise you to reconsider this habit. Wonder why? Let’s find out what happens when you eat a salad of raw vegetables right before sleeping.
Also read: Salad Lovers, Attention: Try These 7 Healthy Salad Recipes for Every Season
Photo: iStock
Ripe Vs. Raw Vegetables: What’s the Big Difference?
There are only a few major differences between raw vegetables and cooked vegetables – but you should consider your body type when choosing. According to Amita Gadre, it all depends on the nutrients and how your body handles digestion.
1. Nutrients
Raw vegetables are great when it comes to nutrients. However, when you cook them, quite a bit of the vitamin C and B complex is lost. But keep in mind that even when grating and cutting raw vegetables, you may lose some of these vitamins.
2. Swelling
Bloating, heaviness and gas are common problems after eating raw vegetables. According to Gadre, this is due to the fiber content, which can make it difficult to consume larger portions.
Photo: Getty
Why do experts say you shouldn’t eat raw salad at night?
Now that you know the difference between raw and cooked vegetables, let’s talk about why eating a raw vegetable salad at night might not be the best idea. According to Ayurvedic health coach Dimple Jangra, there are some reasons why you should not eat raw salad after sunset:
1. Low digestive fire
Eating raw vegetables causes your body to work 300% harder to break them down. That’s why Jangda recommends blanching, steaming or roasting them for better digestion. Cooking also helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively. Additionally, eating raw salad at night can weaken your digestive system, which means your body struggles to process it properly.
2. Toxins (AMA) in your body.
At night, your body’s digestive “fire” is naturally weaker, about 50% less efficient than during the day. Eating raw vegetables when your digestion is low can cause fiber to build up in your system, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom — and disrupted sleep. Additionally, undigested food can create AMA (toxins) in your body, blocking nutrient absorption.
3. Gas and bloating
Here’s something you probably didn’t know: Plants actually release gas as a defense mechanism to protect themselves from being eaten. When you eat raw plants, those gases escape inside your stomach, causing bloating, gas, and flatulence.
Also read: You’re making the wrong salad! These 3 mistakes are ruining your healthy lunch
So, if you often struggle with digestion, experts suggest lightly cooking or steaming your vegetables to make them easier to digest and avoid these problems.
