There is the cherry tart, which contains an important level of melatonin; therefore it is a natural aid to sleep. The Health Center at the University of Texas recently discovered these properties in the cherry tart.
Aaron Lerner, a dermatologist at the Yale University, discovered melatonin in 1958. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland (epiphysis) located at the base of the brain. It triggers the sleepiness during the night. The melatonin production may be destroyed if a person stays awake at night with artificial light. It was found that the melatonin levels decrease with age. This is why the older people have trouble sleeping (or can not sleep easily, or they sleep for only a few hours). The stress can also cause a decrease in the levels of melatonin, causing sleep disorders and insomnia.
Which Foods Contain Melatonin?
Melatonin can be found in high quantities in the cherry tart. Other foods, including milk, peanuts, turkey, chicken and almonds contain tryptophan. Tryptophan increases the amount of serotonin produced in the brain. Serotonin can then be converted to melatonin.
Bananas also contain melatonin, but the level is not high enough to be effective in inducing sleep.
Side Effects Of Melatonin
Melatonin supplements should be consumed with care. The high levels of melatonin in the blood can cause insomnia and nightmares instead of rest. The maximum dose effective in inducing sleep is 0.1 to 0.3 milligrams.
The level of melatonin content of the cherry tart provides a significant amount that induces sleep in a positive way. The melatonin supplements are often found in doses of 2-3 milligrams. These levels are at least ten times higher than the maximum dose recommended for a positive sleep effect.
Best Source Of Melatonin For Sleep
Although melatonin is easily available as a supplement and can be purchased without a prescription, the experts say that the biggest benefits are obtained by eating foods rich in melatonin.
Other Benefits Of Melatonin
The melatonin may help delay the effects of aging. The researchers at the Granada University, Spain, recently revealed that melatonin neutralizes the oxidative and the inflammation process caused by the aging. This suggests that melatonin may slow the aging process. These researchers state that a daily intake of melatonin (especially for people aged between 30 and 40) could delay the appearance of certain diseases associated with the age.
How To Enjoy Cherries Daily
Several ways to incorporate cherries into your diet:
1. Add dried cherries to the mix of cereal or granola
2. Add dried cherries to cereals, muesli, yogurt or pancakes
3. Add dried cherries to salads, fruit salads and chicken salad
4. Make cherry muffins instead of blueberry muffins
5. Add dried cherries instead of raisins in cakes, cookies etc
6. Add dried cherries to rice, risotto and pastas
7. Add frozen cherries to drinks
8. Drink cherry juice after you exercise. Some researchers believe that the cherry juice can ease the tension caused by the physical effort.
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