You might be sleeping on bananas.
The yellow fruit has many benefits from boosting energy to reducing bloating, but it turns out the humble banana may be a little-known secret for getting more Zzzs.
Eating a banana right before bed can help people get quality sleep, according to the Sleep Charity, which released tips for those hoping for a better night’s rest.
Bananas, the UK-based foundation noted, can help with falling asleep faster thanks to high levels of magnesium and potassium — both of which work to relax muscles — as well as tryptophan which can help calm the brain.
The fruit also works similarly to melatonin, which many use to get better rest, as reported by Sky News.
The Sleep Charity also highlighted other fruits that offer high levels of sleep-inducing melatonin such as grapes, tart cherries and strawberries.
In addition to these magical fruits, the foundation’s research added that almonds, fish, whole-grain cereals and oatcakes with cheese can help with sleep.
The experts in slumber suggested additional nutritional tips to aid sleep, including eating only light meals and avoiding spicy foods, chocolate and high-carb foods.
Along with diet, the foundation suggested that reducing screen time, adding in relaxing activities like reading or meditating, taking a bath and making your bedroom cool, dark and quiet can help.
Of course, bananas have benefits beyond sleep quality thanks to a long list of nutrients, such as potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber and more, some of which help with increasing energy levels.
Specifically, potassium can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension.
Bananas may have little protein and no fat, but they are rich in carbs, water, fiber and antioxidants. According to the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central, one medium banana contains 1 gram of protein, 29g of carbs, 3g of fiber and 112 calories.
One of the best benefits of bananas is that they have high levels of dietary fiber, which improves digestionshas been linked to improved digestion.
Pectin, a fiber found in both ripe and unripe bananas, can help soften stools and prevent constipation — and could potentially reduce the risk of colon cancer.