Bananas can be considered as a natural sleeping remedy. They contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid, which, combined with vitamin B6, allows the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin, hormones playing an essential role in promoting sleep. Some doctors recommend its consumption 60 minutes before going to bed to enjoy better sleep. Rich in melatonin (commonly called sleep hormone), banana is an excellent sleep stimulator.
An anti-depression and relaxing fruit
According to a survey conducted on people who suffer from depression, many reports feeling better after eating a banana. Banana dopamine is probably not unrelated to this phenomenon, but it is also explained by the presence of tryptophan, a substance that the body transforms into serotonin, the brain’s chemical messenger known for its relaxing effect.
The good-mood effect is reinforced by the presence of high amounts of vitamin B6 (0.5 mg per 100 g, or a quarter of the recommended daily intake). Also known as pyridoxine, this vitamin is useful for the production of various mood-associated neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. Some studies have shown that, when taken in high doses, it relieves depression associated with the premenstrual syndrome.
A study also showed that a diet rich in tryptophan, combined with an adequate supply of vitamin B6, favored serotonin production and reduced the symptoms of depression and improve sleep quality.
Last modified: Apr 23, 2019
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