Three-hour evening habit could increase risk of heart disease, new study warns
A new study suggests that eating dinner at least three hours before bedtime may reduce the risk of heart disease by improving various cardiovascular health metrics.
A recent study has revealed a significant correlation between meal timing and heart health, specifically highlighting the importance of a three-hour window between dinner and bedtime. Research indicates that adults at risk for cardiometabolic disease can improve their blood pressure, heart rhythms, and blood glucose control by adhering to this eating schedule. The study, led by Dr. Daniela Grimaldi, found that not only does the timing of food intake matter, but also dimming lights in the evening contributes positively to cardiovascular health by aligning meal times with the body's natural sleep-wake cycles.
The research, published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, spanned seven and a half weeks and focused on modifying eating patterns as a means of managing heart health. Participants in the study who restricted their eating within the three-hour window before bed exhibited notable improvements in various health parameters. This emphasizes the potential of lifestyle changes in combating heart disease, which has become a pressing health concern globally.
Dr. Grimaldi's findings suggest that synchronizing our fasting periods with our body's biological rhythms may enhance the relationship between the heart, metabolism, and sleep, all crucial components of cardiovascular well-being. As heart disease continues to pose significant risks to public health, simple dietary adjustments, such as meal timing, could be a key strategy for prevention, potentially encouraging a shift in dietary recommendations and public health campaigns.