A recent collaboration between INRAE, the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Inserm, and Sorbonne University Paris Nord has revealed a direct link between meal times and the risk of heart disease.
This isn't the first time a study has highlighted the importance of meal timing, rather than focusing solely on the contents of our plates. Proponents of intermittent fasting and previous research suggest that the timing of our meals significantly influences weight regulation and health.
Dinner Time and Cardiovascular Risks
This new study, involving 100,000 participants, demonstrates that eating dinner late and having a late breakfast increases the risk of heart disease.
According to the researchers, dining after 9 PM increases the risk of stroke by 28%. Who would have thought that this lifestyle habit could significantly increase the risks of cerebrovascular disorders!
Adjusting Results for Age, Sex, Medical History, and Quality of Life
The study also shows that the later the first meal of the day, the greater the risks increase. Having breakfast at 9 AM would then increase health risks by 6% compared to breakfast at 8 AM.
The results of this collaboration among numerous specialists indicate that a prolonged nocturnal fast protects against cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke. Researchers, therefore, recommend dining before 8 PM and having breakfast before 8 AM, ensuring a 13-hour night fast. It is also generally recommended to dine about three hours before bedtime.
Appropriate meal timings can prevent not only heart disease but also diabetes and obesity, by allowing the body to eliminate sugars and fats before sleep, thus promoting better rest.
Adjusting our eating habits to respect these timings can be an effective strategy to preserve our heart and overall health. Adopting a balanced meal rhythm seems to be a simple but crucial measure for optimal well-being.
