5. Banana
Bananas are the most popular fruit in the world. With over 1000 different varieties, the first bananas were believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and are now grown in over 100 countries across the world. Contrary to popular opinion, the banana plant is actually not a tree, it’s a perennial herb, and one of the largest in the world.
Bananas are eaten for their flavor and wide array of health benefits. They can support healthy bowels and regularity, improve digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and are often eaten for weight loss purposes. Banana contains a large amount of dietary fiber and are a rich source of healthy carbohydrates. They are also full of vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin C, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and manganese.
Bananas are believed to be effective in treating insomnia because they contain an amino acid known as L-tryptophan, which is known as an essential acid because it can’t be produced by the human body. When L-tryptophan is ingested, the body begins to change it into serotonin, a hormone that is an important addition to a healthy sleep cycle. L-tryptophan has also been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
Simply eat a banana a little while before bed time to enjoy these health benefits. If plain bananas don’t appeal to you, try making banana tea instead by cutting both ends of the banana and putting it whole (including the peel) into a pot of boiling water. Allow it to boil for 10 minutes before adding a teaspoon of cinnamon, then pouring the water into a cup. Add more cinnamon or some honey for flavor, and enjoy this tea before bed.