Summer Fruits & Vegetables that help us Sleep Better

You must have heard elders extol the virtues of seasonal fruits and vegetables. These seasonal natural offerings are not only tasty but highly nourishing and what’s best they are also good for our sleep pattern. So go ahead and gorge on these super foods.

Mango
Mangoes are full of anti oxidants and known to soothe the stomach. Infact mango chutney is had along with a meal in the hot summer days as it is supposed to be cooling. Also mango lassi is quite popular, which is a blend of mango slices, yoghurt and some ice. Pyridoxine (B-6) is rich in mangoes and it is important for the production of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, thus making it an excellent aide for sleep.

Musk Melon
Musk melons are known to relax nerves and be a great hydrant. One can have it in smoothie form, with yoghurt and honey blended in, for best results or just have it chilled or in sorbet form. Even the musk melon seeds are known to have great nutritional property and can be dried and sprinkled on salads. As this power fruit relaxes the muscles in the brain, it is an ideal choice for those who suffer from insomnia.

Zucchini
Zucchini is rich in potassium and known for its ability to regulate blood sugar. It is also known to be effective as an anti-inflammatory and had in squash form for those who need a good detox. In general, one could have it just sautéed with some olive oil and garlic. The skin of the zucchini is most rich in nutrients and shouldn’t be taken off. It is again a rich source of B-6 that helps regulate the production of serotonin and melatonin, which are responsible for our sleep cycle.

Bottle Gourd
The bottle gourd also known as lauki or Doodhi in India, is a great hydrant, full of minerals. Apart from being high in water content, it is a rich source of vitamin C, K and calcium. It has great cooling properties, and used to lower cholesterol. Due to its choline (neurotransmitter) content it helps de-stress and sleep better. You could make fresh juice out of it and have anytime during day. Just cut it fresh, add some ginger and mint, some rock salt and blend it.

Fruits and vegetables can influence your sleep pattern, but don’t you think it’s a good soft mattress that can actually put you to sleep?