Ever finish up some late-night work after dinner and just as you’re getting ready for bed, a sudden craving for something sweet creeps in? You want something that doesn’t require prep time, tastes delicious and won’t play against your sleep.
As it turns out, bananas aren’t just the most convenient and tasty snack, they’re also a great sleeping aid.
A medium-sized banana takes care of 9 per cent of your daily potassium requirement, 33 per cent of your vitamin B6, and 8 per cent of your magnesium needs. But that’s not all, this much-loved fruit also helps reduce stress and anxiety, allay muscle cramps and regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
The magnesium in the banana helps you relax and release stress before bed. As you might know, stress is one of the biggest hindrances to getting good sleep.
The high levels of vitamin B6 in banana work on boosting serotonin production, a neurotransmitter that controls your body’s melatonin levels. Melatonin, in turn, regulates your internal clock by making you feel sleepy in the evening.
Lastly, the potassium content helps not just relax your muscles and reduce night-time cramps but also regulate your blood pressure naturally. This wonder mineral works all night to cut down the harmful effects of sodium in the body.
However, if you’re suffering from a cough or have a cold, you may want to avoid eating bananas before bed. People who are prone to asthma, sinus and cold may also want to avoid it late in the evening and also at night.