What you eat today is linked to how well you'll sleep tonight. A new study (done by the NHANES) was published in Appetite that proves this fact. The scientific team look at 4,500 people. First, they broke them up into categories based on how much sleep they normally got each night.
People who slept less than 5 hours a night were considered 'very short.' 'Short' sleeps got between 5 and 6 hours. The 'normal' or average sleeper got 7 to 8 hours. Anyone who slept more than 9 was considered 'long.' Once they had these categories, they looked at what the individuals in each group ate.
The most important consistency they found, is that 'normal' sleepers had the most varied diet. They consumed 18 different types of food versus 14 in the 'very short' sleepers. More variety means more nutrients.
The study found that these nutrients are the ones that are the most beneficial to your sleeping habits:
Lycopene:A cancer-fighting antioxidant found in tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.
Vitamin C:One cup of strawberries or one medium kiwi packs more than 100 percent of your daily value of this heart- and cancer-protective antioxidant.
Selenium:An ounce of Brazil nuts or a can of tuna are both excellent sources of this anti-inflammatory that’s key for immune function.
Theobromine:Find this heart healthy phytochemical in tea and chocolate.
Lauric acid:Most commonly found in coconut oil. Though it’s a saturated fatty acid, studies show that it may improve “healthy” HDL cholesterol without affecting “bad” LDL levels.
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