Story by Akosua Greeno
Late-night snacking is a common habit, but Professor Wiafe Akenteng, a leading expert in nutrition, and herbals warns it could be riskier than you think.
With rising cases of lifestyle-related diseases in Ghana, understanding the impact of late eating is crucial.
Speaking on Max 89.7 FM’s Morning Dew, Professor Akenteng highlighted several dangers of late eating.
1. Weight Gain: Extra calories from late-night eating often lead to unwanted weight gain, increasing obesity risks.
2. Digestive Discomfort: Eating close to bedtime disrupts digestion, causing issues like acid reflux, bloating, and poor sleep quality.
3. Disease Risks: Research links late eating to increased risks of diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic disorders.
4. Impact on Metabolism: Late eating can confuse your body’s natural rhythms, affecting how you process food.
What Triggers Late Eating in Ghana?
– Stress from work or studies
– Social eating or watching TV with snacks
– Irregular meal patterns or skipping meals during the day
– Craving traditional snacks like kelewele or groundnuts at night
Professor Akenteng’s Advice: “Finish eating 2-3 hours before bed. Focus on balanced meals and healthier snack choices like fruits or nuts instead of fried foods. Mindful eating can make a big difference in your health.”
Small changes in eating habits can lead to big health benefits. Think twice before that midnight snack! and herbals,
Edited by Michael Mensah Martey
