Saturday 22 June 2013

Foods that help you to sleep better

1. Nonfat popcorn - The carbohydrates in nonfat popcorn help bring the amino acid tryptophan into the brain where it is used to make a sleep inducing neuro transmitter called serotonin. Since eating a heavy meal within 2 hours of bedtime can keep you awake , this nonfat popcorn is a great late night snack.

2.Mango lassi - packed with antioxidants , vitamins and protein , this treat satisfies your sweet , creamy craving as well as ice cream without the sugar bomb. To make a mango lassi cut up one fresh peeled mango and put it in a blender . Add a handful of ice, a small scoop of plain Greek yogurt(strained yogurt)and a splash of water or milk.Add a dash of sugar for extra sweetness if desired. 

3.Chickpeas - They are rich in vitamin B6 from which our body produces seratonin.Try adding chickpeas to salads , soups and stews when you need sleep.

4.Chamomile tea-  This herbal tea lacks caffeine found in traditional teas and it has calming effect on the body. Also, a warm liquid before bed can make you sleepy by raising the body temperature.

5.Honey - A rise in blood sugar can reduce the production of orexin in the brain. Orexin is a recently discovered neurotransmitter that has been linked to wakefulness.Try drizzling a smal amount of honey into your chamomile tea.A different route to sleep: avoid desserts which are high on sugar.