Of course, some of these sleep remedies may work for you, while others may not (frustratingly). So, if you fall into the latter category and are still looking for a sleep-inducing antidote In reality It works, you’ve come to the right place. According to two sleep experts and a registered dietitian, banana tea may be exactly what you’ve been dreaming about… literally. That’s because bananas contain magnesium, a powerful mineral that helps regulate neurotransmitters directly linked to sleep, along with other key compounds needed to get a good night’s rest. Learn how to make banana tea and its sleep-promoting benefits ahead.
What are the benefits of banana tea for sleep?
1. Banana peels contain several sleep-promoting compounds
According to Nilong Vyas, MD, Sleepless in NOLA sleep expert and medical review expert at SleepFoundation.org, sipping banana tea to sleep is a no-brainer. “It makes sense that sipping warm banana peel tea an hour before bed may help with insomnia because it contains minerals and chemical compounds notable in supporting the sleep cycle, such as tryptophan, potassium, and calcium,” says Dr. Vyas. . However, that is if you include the husks when brewing in a cup. “Since specific sleep-inducing components are found more in the peel, it would be ideal to soak the peel rather than just including the inside of the banana or even just eating the pulp,” she says.
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2. Bananas are rich in magnesium, which helps reduce insomnia
Aside from tryptophan, potassium, and calcium, Michael Breus, PhD, sleep expert and founder of The Sleep Doctor, notes that bananas also contain another important sleep-promoting compound: magnesium. “Magnesium has been shown to be beneficial for falling asleep and staying asleep, and those deficient in the mineral have reported insomnia and sleep problems,” says Dr. Breuss. Moreover, bananas contain a lot of this essential mineral. According to the USDA, a medium-sized banana contains about eight percent of the recommended daily intake.
3. Consuming magnesium through foods may be more effective for sleep
Dr. Breus points out that supplements aren’t always the best way to take magnesium. “Nature-derived magnesium appears to be better absorbed by the body—pills can, on occasion, cause an upset stomach or loose stools when a person takes in too much,” says Dr. Breuss. This led a sleep expert to look for alternative ways for people to consume more magnesium through food.
Enter: bananas. And most importantly, peel it off. “The banana peel contains a lot more magnesium than the fruit itself,” says Dr. Breuss. As such, you’ll want to make your own banana tea, including the peel. “Boiling bananas with the peel—after washing them and removing the stem and bottom—and drinking the water is a great way to give people a new nighttime ritual, in a delicious form, doesn’t interact with any medications and can be enjoyed by everyone of all ages,” says Dr. Breuss.
4. Banana tea can help boost immunity
According to Christina Manian, RDN, a registered dietitian who specializes in sustainable food systems, banana tea contains other nutrients that can help boost the immune system. Banana tea is rich in vitamin B6 and antioxidant plant compounds, which can help boost energy metabolism and immunity respectively. These nutrients also support heart and gut health, says Manyan.
5. Drinking banana tea can help regulate sleep hormones
Banana tea contains tryptophan, the same amino acid found in turkey, and the reason why it’s no coincidence that you might feel unusually sleepy after a Thanksgiving feast. “Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, which are vital hormones in promoting healthy sleep patterns,” says Manian. Basically, when combined with potassium and magnesium, tryptophan completes the perfect recipe for compounds associated with improving sleep.
How to make banana tea in two ways
Making banana tea is as easy as it sounds. As shown in a recent video on TikTok by @the_sacred_lotus, all you have to do is rinse a yellow banana, remove the core, cut the peel into large slices, and toss them into a pot of boiling water. After about 10-15 minutes, remove the peels and serve the banana-infused water in a glass.
the_sacred_lotus #bananapeeltea #insomnia #insomniacure #potasium #magnesium #tea #bananas #sleepinducing ♬ _Cute – Gabe Lost
Another option for making banana tea is to use the pulp instead. According to a recipe from TheSoul Publishing, you’ll want to slice the insides of one banana and add it to a tea press along with three cinnamon sticks. Then add hot water and let the mixture steep for 10 minutes. Finally, you’ll want to strain the liquid and put it into a teacup or mug.
However, for maximum sleep benefits, including exfoliation is the way to go, and Dr. Breuss says one cup at least 30 minutes before bed is more than enough.
Learn more sleep remedies, according to the herbalist:
