Pistachios can be more than just a tasty snack. Recent studies have shown that eating pistachios regularly has many health benefits. This includes promoting better sleeping. Pistachios’ anti-inflammatory qualities, heart-healthy properties, weight-management qualities, immune-system boost, and brain-health benefits all contribute to a better quality of sleep. Incorporating pistachios in your diet is a great way to promote a good sleep.
Pistachios and sleep
Pistachios can help you sleep better:
contains Melatonin
Pistachios contain melatonin which is a hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin tells the body it’s sleep time. Pistachios can help you sleep better and faster by letting your body know that sleep is near.
Magnesium content
Magnesium is also abundant in pistachios, and this mineral plays an important role in maintaining healthy sleeping patterns. Magnesium relaxes the muscles, reduces anxiety and stress, and makes it easier to sleep.
Protein
Pistachios contain a lot of protein that helps you feel fuller longer. Recent research shows that eating protein before bedtime helps regulate blood sugar levels, prevents hunger pangs and leads to a good night’s rest.
Lowers blood sugar
Low-glycemic foods like pistachios don’t spike blood sugar. Pistachios are good for people with diabetes because they help to regulate blood sugar and can reduce the risk of artery disease related to diabetes. In one study, pistachio consumption was linked to lower LDL and total cholesterol. This is related to a good sleep.
Related: 8 High Protein Food sources: Advantages ,Basic Dinner
Rich in Vitamin B6
Pistachios have many health benefits, including being one of the foods that are highest in vitamin B6. It is essential for the production of serotonin, melatonin and other neurotransmitters. Pistachios are a great bedtime snack because these two hormones regulate sleep, mood and appetite.
Pistachios: Additional Health Benefits
Reduces inflammation
Pistachios are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which reduce inflammation. Pistachios are good for sleep because chronic inflammation can cause sleep disorders and other health issues.
Heart Health
Pistachios are believed to help improve heart health. Pistachios are known to help improve blood lipids, lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL cholesterol. This could reduce the risk of heart disease. As well as being rich in antioxidants and promoting good heart health, pistachios also promote better sleep, since the heart is a key regulator of sleep patterns.
Weight Management
According to studies, adding unsalted pistachios into a healthy diet can help with weight loss. It is because, although pistachios are high in energy, they also contain a lot of fibre and low calories, which can make you feel satisfied for longer. There have only been a few studies that looked at the effects of pistachios in relation to weight. However, they are promising. One study found that eating pistachios daily may lead to a lower body mass index (BMI), which is used to calculate body fat. The analysis found that pistachios did not affect body weight or abdominal fat.
Boosts your immune system
Addition of pistachios in the diet will help to boost your immune system. Pistachios contain antioxidants such as vitamin E which the immune system needs to fight bacteria.
Improved Brain Health
A study found that pistachios have the highest gamma response of any of the nuts tested. This is important for cognitive processing, memory retention, learning and perception. Pistachios also contain magnesium, which helps to reduce stress and relax the body, along with B vitamins. Magnesium helps to reduce tension and anxiety, by regulating stress chemicals in the body such as cortisol.
Final Thoughts
Consuming pistachios prior to bedtime is a great way to improve sleep. Pistachios are a great sleep aid because of their magnesium, vitamin B6, protein and melatonin content. Next time you need a healthy snack for bedtime, grab a handful of pistachios.
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