Fruit at night, hot food in plastic, post-meal chai: Doctor weighs in on 3 common health rules

Nutritionist Prachi Sodha recently shared three common health rules for families. She advised against eating fruit at night, heating food in plastic containers, and drinking tea or coffee immediately after meals. However, the timing of these habits may not be as important as previously thought. Dr. Himika Chawla, a Senior Consultant at PSRI Hospital, suggests that the overall dietary pattern matters more than the clock.

For healthy individuals, eating fruit at night is not inherently bad or likely to cause blood sugar issues. It's the portion size, total carbohydrate intake, and overall diet that matter more than the time of day.

Dr. Chawla also warns against heating hot food in plastic containers as it can leach chemicals into the food. She recommends using food-safe containers labeled as microwave-safe or heat-resistant. For very hot food, glass or stainless steel are safer alternatives. When it comes to post-meal tea or coffee, Dr. Chawla advises caution for those with iron deficiency, anaemia, pregnant women, those with heavy menstrual bleeding, or low dietary iron intake.

Allowing a window of one to two hours before consuming tea or coffee can help improve iron absorption. Pairing plant-based iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods can also enhance absorption. As always, individuals should consult their health practitioner before making any dietary changes.