Bananas before bedtime: A natural remedy for better sleep
Difficulty falling asleep, night awakenings caused by stress, and muscle cramps are common issues with numerous potential causes, such as a fast-paced life, racing thoughts, excessive stimuli, stress, or an unhealthy diet. While you can't eliminate all these factors, you do have control over what you consume. Surprisingly, just one piece of fruit in the evening might improve your sleep quality.
Bananas are gaining popularity in athletes' diets. They are also a favourite among children, though not everyone is enthusiastic about them—and for good reason. Not all bananas are alike. The riper the skin, the more sugar it contains, which isn't recommended in large amounts. However, consuming less ripe bananas with slightly greenish skins at night can positively affect your body.
nutritional properties of bananas
Bananas aren't just a quick energy source; they're rich in nutrients. They're an excellent source of vitamins, particularly B6, which can help address sleep issues. They also provide vitamin C and various minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and manganese, which support the nervous and muscular systems. The fiber in bananas not only regulates digestion but also helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Bananas and fiber content
Both unripe and very ripe bananas contain similar amounts of pectin, a type of dietary fibre soluble in water. This property helps cleanse the intestines. Pectins also bind with cholesterol, helping to lower its levels.
However, unripe bananas have more fibre due to their resistant starch content, which transforms into simple sugars as they ripen. Bananas with brown spots on their skin are sweeter and contain more antioxidants. While the riper ones are better consumed during the day, the greenish ones are more beneficial in the evening.
Why is it worth eating bananas before bed?
There are several tangible benefits. The fibre in bananas improves metabolism by helping remove accumulated toxins from the intestines, facilitating bowel movements the next morning. Bananas also contain significant amounts of magnesium and potassium. As a result, they have a calming effect, not only on brain function and the nervous system but also on muscles. If night cramps frequently disturb your sleep, this might be a helpful solution.
