The best foods for a late-night snack.

Introduction: The wrong late-night snack can affect your health; the right one, however, can be beneficial to your body. Recently, the U.S. Fox News Health Channel introduced 7 healthy foods suitable for late-night snacks.

1. Popcorn. You might think eating popcorn is like eating potato chips, but that's not the case. A serving of plain popcorn is relatively low in calories and is rich in antioxidants, whole grains, and dietary fiber, which makes you feel full. A recent survey by ConAgra Foods found that people who ate low-fat, artificial-butter-free popcorn felt fuller than those who ate ready-to-eat cereal, fruit, or protein bars.

Homemade Sweet Popcorn

2. Cherries. This sweet and sour fruit is a great appetite suppressant and suitable as a late-night snack. More importantly, the melatonin in cherries helps people fall asleep faster. A study published in the *Journal of Medicinal Food* showed that sour cherry juice can help treat insomnia. However, be mindful of the portion size, as one cup (about 12 cherries) is enough due to its high sugar content.

3. Almonds. Almonds, containing protein, dietary fiber, and magnesium, are a healthy snack. It's easy to overeat almonds, so it's best to pre-portion them, for example, one cup.

Papaya Almond Milk Tea

4. Ready-to-eat cereal. Ready-to-eat cereal contains whole grains and B vitamins, but it can also be high in fat, calories, and sugar. Therefore, it's advisable to choose types that are low in sugar and high in protein. You can add some milk to your cereal, as it contains tryptophan, which aids in sleep.

5. Yogurt. Low-fat plain yogurt contains protein and fat that help prolong the feeling of fullness. Most yogurts contain sugar, so it's recommended to choose plain yogurt and add some fresh fruit.

Homemade Yogurt

6. Soda crackers. The combination of complex carbohydrates and protein provides the energy needed to stay alert. Choose 100% whole-grain soda crackers and low-fat milk, but be mindful of the portion, as too much protein can be difficult to digest.

7. Cauliflower. If you need a hot dish to warm up at night, cauliflower is the perfect choice. Steam the cauliflower until it's puréed, then add some soup. This will not only fill your stomach but also have a soothing and calming effect.

Homemade Braised Cauliflower