Fun fact, bananas are a perfect bedtime snack. Here’s what the banana has going for it. Show Your average medium banana (about 7 to 7 ⅞ inches long) contains these nutrients:
So, what? Well, some of those nutrients are associated with better Zzz’s. Not sleeping enough is associated with some gnarly health effects like decreased immunity and increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Here’s how bananas may help you sleep better. Just relaxGetting enough of the mineral magnesium is thought to reduce anxiety and stress, two big causes of anxiety. According to the FDA, a medium banana contains 8 percent of your daily recommended amount of magnesium. No, that doesn’t sound like much, but every little bit helps. A research review of 18 studies found that magnesium supplements may improve anxiety, but current evidence is weak and more research is needed. Can’t hurt though! Other foods contain even more magnesium, and would be a great partner to your banana:
The sleep super twins: Serotonin and melatoninSerotonin and melatonin are like sister chemicals that keep you happy and rested when they are functioning properly. A research review showed that diets with carbs, tryptophan, melatonin, and phytonutrients are associated with better sleep, possibly because of their impact on serotonin and melatonin in your body. Tryptophan (contained in bananas) is used to make serotonin, an important neurochemical in regulating moods. Vitamin B6 (also in bananas!) is a key ingredient in making serotonin. Serotonin is converted to melatonin, the hormone that responds to light and environmental signals to keep you on a good wake/sleep cycle. Beat insomniaInsomnia means you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. A small study showed that it affects about 30 percent of adults. Again, magnesium could have something to do with it. A research review showed that sleep disorders in older people are associated with magnesium deficiency. Low magnesium can also contribute to heart conditions, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and depression. Leg cramps waking you up at night?It’s pretty standard nonprofessional advice among athletes and people who have nighttime leg cramps: Eat a banana. But will snacking on bananas (and presumably the potassium contained inside) prevent muscle cramps? A 2012 research review doesn’t support it. However, the study does suggest that taking a magnesium supplement can ease leg cramps. Maybe reach for that banana anyway. Getting 9 percent of your daily value of potassium from a banana is not a bad move. Just expect to seek other treatments if leg cramps are really cramping your sleep style. It’s hard to rest with restless legs syndromeYou may have restless legs syndrome (RLS) if when you lay down to rest, you have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. It may feel like a tingling sensation or pain. Moving usually relieves the sensation, but it’s not very convenient for falling asleep. The only nutrient that helps with RLS, according to research, is iron. A banana does contain 0.307 milligrams of iron (less than 2 percent of the recommended amount), but it’s probably not going to cure your RLS. Add these foods to your daily routine for better Zzz’s:
Some foods will keep you awake and should be avoided around bedtime for the sake of your beauty sleep. Caffeine is an obvious one. It can disrupt sleep even if you drink it 6 hours before bedtime. The effects are more pronounced the closer the bedtime you consume it. Avoid these snacks before bed:
Is a banana your new sleeping pill? Probably not… but it could be even better. Bananas are packed with healthy nutrients that may improve your sleep, whether you eat them at bedtime or any other time of day. They do come in a neat little package that is just the right size for a bedtime snack, so why not add them to your bedtime routine? For the best sleep, eat a diet with a variety of nutrients and follow other simple sleep habits like sticking to a schedule, avoiding caffeine, exercising, and reducing stress. What happens if you eat a banana right before bed?Eating bananas before bed may help you get a good night's sleep. Bananas are rich in magnesium, potassium, tryptophan, vitamin B6, carbs, and fiber, all of which may improve sleep quality via different mechanisms.
Is a banana before bed good for weight loss?05/6Banana
But actually, it is loaded with nutrients that can help you sleep peacefully at night and even aid in weight loss. The fiber content in it can keep you full for a longer time and even curb your craving for sugary stuff. Rich in potassium and magnesium, the yellow fruit can also help your muscles relax.
Is it unhealthy to eat bananas at night?It turns out; this beloved fruit is the perfect sleep aid. It provides several vitamins and minerals that can improve the quality of your sleep. Bananas reduce stress and anxiety, alleviate muscle cramps, and regulate your sleep-wake cycle with serotonin and melatonin.
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