Actor Akkineni Nagarjuna shared that, unlike what people believe, he does have dinner regularly. “But it’s an early eating. By 7 p.m, I have salads, rice, chicken, fish….” said the Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva actor.“It is a way of life,” added the 65-year-old during a 2024 conversation with RR music composer MM Keeravani.He also revealed that he regularly works out and has been following a similar routine for “more than 35 years now”.Taking a cue from his revelation, let’s understand what it means for the body.Dt Gulnaaz Shaikh, chief dietitian, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said that while what you eat matters, when you eat is just as important. “Nagarjuna’s dinner tip of finishing his meal by 7 pm isn’t just a celebrity quirk; it’s backed by solid science,” added Shaikh.Eating early gives your body enough time to digest your meal before bedtime. “When you eat late, your body has to multitask: digest food while trying to rest. This can lead to problems like acidity, bloating, sleep disturbances, and even weight gain over time,” said Shaikh.An early dinner also boosts your metabolism. Our body’s insulin sensitivity, or how well we process sugar, is usually better earlier in the day. “Eating late at night means glucose stays in your bloodstream longer, raising the risk of insulin resistance, especially for those with diabetes or prediabetes,” said Shaikh.Story continues below this ad What is a good time for dinner? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)From a digestive perspective, eating by 7 pm allows your system to function correctly before your body begins to wind down for the night. “You wake up feeling lighter and often notice better energy levels and focus the next day,” shared Shaikh.Also Read | Why Shahid Kapoor does not binge eat at 3 am: ‘I try and maintain…’It also fits well with our natural circadian rhythm. “Our body isn’t meant to digest food while sleeping; it’s designed to repair and restore. By giving it that break, you’re helping it do just that,” Shaikh noted.Of course, this doesn’t mean everyone has to stick to a 7 pm deadline. “But having dinner at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime is a great start,” said Shaikh.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd