Recent research proposes a potential connection between dining after 9 pm and an increased risk of strokes and mini-strokes, highlighting the impact of meal timing on health. Investigating more than 100,000 individuals in France, the study focused on participants’ eating schedules using detailed food diaries.
It revealed a 28% higher likelihood of experiencing a stroke or mini-stroke for those who had dinner after 9 pm compared to those dining before 8 pm.
Spanning an average of seven years, the study identified around 2,000 cases of cardiovascular diseases, encompassing heart attacks and strokes.
It underscored the significance of meal timing, suggesting that our natural eating patterns lean towards earlier consumption. Although animal studies hint at potential links between late-night eating and increased blood sugar and pressure, further research is necessary to establish conclusive connections.
Dr. Bernard Srour, the study’s senior author, highlighted the health risks linked to late-night dining, especially among individuals whose schedules dictate their meal times.
The findings stress the importance of considering meal timing’s impact on health, particularly among women, who comprised nearly 80% of the study participants.
Published in Nature Communications, the study explores the correlation between breakfast and dinner timings and the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. While no heightened risk of coronary heart problems was noted for those eating dinner after 9 pm, every hour delay in dinner correlated with an 8% increased risk of strokes or mini-strokes.
Moreover, each hour delay in breakfast was associated with a 6% higher risk of various cardiovascular diseases, especially impactful for women participants.
The research also supports earlier findings indicating that extended overnight fasting might lead to improved health outcomes, particularly for those consuming dinner early.
