Bananas are a very useful fruit with an amazing sweet taste. However, fruits are rich in natural fruit sugars. We're used to thinking that it's not a good idea to eat fruit late in the day because it limits our body's ability to break down carbohydrates and use them for energy. Consuming too many sugars in the evening carries the risk of fat accumulation.
According to Nutrients magazine, foods high in tryptophan improve sleep quality and duration. Bananas are among those foods that contain an abundance of tryptophan. This compound has a positive effect on melatonin (sleep hormone) and serotonin (happiness hormone) levels. Bananas are packed with tryptophan, according to he althline.com, making them a great bedtime snack for a good night's sleep.
One banana contains approximately 34 mg of magnesium. This mineral is associated with improving the functions of the nervous system, sleep, mood. Magnesium can improve sleep by reducing insomnia and making it easier to fall asleep.
Bananas, however, have a very high carbohydrate content, which suggests that they should be consumed with caution. If you have adjusted your daily intake of carbohydrates, eating them in the evening is not a problem, it is even useful for sleep and calmness of the nervous system. It is recommended not to consume more than two bananas per day.
What are the most important benefits of eating bananas?
According to WebMD, bananas are packed with valuable nutrients that promote sleep and promote muscle relaxation. The magnesium and potassium in bananas calm the nervous system and reduce the likelihood of cramps, especially at night.
Bananas are very good for the intestines. They contain plant starch that acts as a prebiotic for gut bacteria, increasing satiety, feeding beneficial bacteria, and stimulating the production of short-chain fatty acids, according to the British Nutrition Foundation. Bananas are a valuable food for a he althy gut microbiome. The immune system, cardiovascular, nervous systems and many other functions in the body depend on it.
Eating bananas regularly can improve memory, concentration, brain activity. Tryptophan is also a valuable element in the fight against depression, anxiety and restlessness. It is no coincidence that it is part of sedative medications and nutritional supplements without a doctor's prescription. This is because tryptophan is involved in the natural synthesis of serotonin – the hormone of happiness.
He althline.com recommends not to overdo the consumption of bananas, especially in the evening, as they are still rich in sugars and this can have a negative effect on weight and metabolic processes in the body. Although they are good for sleep, they should not be overdone. Try other sleep-friendly practices to improve sleep duration and quality.
