Many foods you might think of as good pre-bedtime snacks, like a large espresso drink or a bowl of cereal with milk, are high in sugar and can disrupt your sleep. But bananas are relatively low in sugar and a great alternative for a bedtime snack.
Bananas are healthy, energizing, and full of nutrients. They also contain tryptophan, which helps improve sleep quality.
1. It increases your blood sugar level
Bananas are a healthy snack for those who are looking to curb late-night hunger. However, they are a heavy fruit and can take a while to digest. They are also high in calories, so if eaten in excess, they can lead to weight gain.
In addition, they contain a large amount of potassium and magnesium. These minerals are essential for sleep because they help reduce muscle cramping that can disrupt restful sleep. Moreover, the potassium in bananas also helps balance sodium and electrolytes.
Moreover, bananas are good for people who suffer from heartburn or stomach ulcer. They are rich in potassium and magnesium, which can reduce acidity and alleviate symptoms of heartburn. Moreover, they are an excellent source of tryptophan, which helps you fall asleep faster. However, people with asthma should avoid eating bananas at night because they may increase the production of phlegm and make it harder to breathe. They can also cause bloating and gas in the stomach.
2. It takes a long time to digest
While bananas may seem like a bad snack to have before bed, they actually contain many nutrients that help you sleep better. They contain magnesium and potassium, both of which are known to reduce muscle cramps and help you fall asleep more easily. They also have tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted into serotonin, which promotes sleep.
Bananas are also good for those who suffer from heartburn or acidity. This is because they can neutralize stomach acids and keep them at bay. They are also high in iron, which helps boost your hemoglobin levels and combat anemia.
However, if you are suffering from cold and cough or asthma, it is best to avoid eating bananas at night because they can produce more mucus, which can cause discomfort. Moreover, bananas take a long time to digest and can cause heaviness in the stomach. So, it is best to eat them in the afternoon or morning.
3. It increases the chances of cold and cough
Some experts suggest that consuming banana at night increases the chances of cold and cough as it causes mucous formation in the body. They recommend avoiding eating bananas at night if you are prone to cold and cough or have sinus, asthma and allergies.
On the other hand, others say that eating a riped banana before bed helps in relieving muscle cramps due to its magnesium and potassium content. It also aids in getting a sound sleep as it contains tryptophan and vitamin B6.
Moreover, it is low in sodium and high in potassium content which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by maintaining the normal blood pressure levels. It is also recommended to consume banana before exercising to replenish the lost energy in the muscles. It also aids in preventing dehydration.
4. It increases your appetite
Banana is a rich source of many nutrients that are essential for your body, including protein, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, fiber and iron. They can also help stabilize blood sugar levels and satisfy sweet cravings. However, eating banana at night is not a good idea for those with asthma or sinus problems because it can cause more phlegm in the throat and make breathing difficult.
But if you’re hungry for a snack before bed, a small to medium-sized banana with some peanut butter can be a healthy choice. It will keep you full and give you a natural dose of sleep-promoting magnesium and tryptophan. These are the amino acids that are needed to produce melatonin and serotonin, hormones that regulate our sleep-wake cycles.