1. Cherries are one of the only natural food sources of melatonin, the chemical that controls the body’s internal clock to regulate sleep. During the ten months of the year when cherries are out of season, dried cherries and cherry juice, especially tart cherry juice, are good substitutes. Grapes also contain melatonin, but you need to eat more of them to get the same effect. Eat them an hour before bedtime.
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Cherries ...
Did you know that cherries aren’t just tasty and packed with antioxidants, they can actually help you sleep better? The fact is that your choice of late-night snack could mean the difference between restless insomnia and deep, health-promoting sleep. 1. Cherries are one of the only natural food sources of melatonin, the chemical that controls the body’s internal clock to regulate sleep. During the ten months of the year when cherries are out of season, dried cherries and cherry juice, especially tart cherry juice, are good substitutes. Grapes also contain melatonin, but you need to eat more of them to get the same effect. Eat them an hour before bedtime.
Tart - sour, cherries are on our list of super foods because they are the only natural source of Melatonin that can effect your health: melatonin helps increase your master antioxidant Glutathione and helps regulate sleep. These dark colored cherries are also rich in anthocyanins - compounds inhibiting COX enzymes which are responsible for pain sensations. It is very difficult to find fresh sour cherries even during season, so they are available as dried or frozen cherries, and tart cherry juice concentrate which preserves perfectly all the goodness of this fruit.
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2. CHOCOLATE - is on the list of superfoods as well, because cocoa powder used in the production of chocolate has very high antioxidant capacity measured in ORAC, even higher than blueberries, strawberries and garlic. Antioxidants found in cocoa enhance vascular function and decrease platelet stickiness contributing to cardiovascular health. Just remember to choose dark semi-sweet chocolate with cocoa content not less than 70%, the higher the better - upto 95%. Pure 100% cocoa powder can be added to smoothies or cereals for extra antioxidants.
If you’ve ever had an ulcer, you know how hard it is to get relief. You’ve probably taken your share of over-the-counter antacids and acid blockers. But those are just a temporary fix.
For some people, ulcers start out as gastritis. That’s widespread inflammation in the gut. The cause of most gastritis is usually bacteria called H. Pylori. But The good news is that your gut fights inflammation every day.
It produces good bacteria and natural substances that keep you healthy. One of those natural substances is a surprising hormone that most people don’t know their gut even produces. This unlikely hormone heals gastritis and kills H. pylori.
And it’s Melatonin…
Yes, the same melatonin you take to help you sleep. And your pineal gland makes melatonin, but your gut produces 400-times more. And, it gobbles up damaging free radicals. Including the stomach acid and enzymes that can cause damage to your stomach lining.
Melatonin can prevent ulcers, colitis, iritable bowel disease, and colon cancer. Now a new study proves the power of melatonin helps rid of the H.Pylori bacteria.
One hundred patients with duodenal ulcers and gastritis took part in the study. All the patients had H. pylori bacteria in their gut. For the first seven days, one group took an antibiotic and medication to block stomach acid. The second group had the same treatment, but also took melatonin. They took 3 mg before bed. After the first week, both groups quit taking the antibiotic. At the end of two month .... The patients who took melatonin had less H. pylori in their gut. Melatonin helped get rid of it, and gut inflammation was gone.
As you age, your natural melatonin levels decrease. However, several foods contain melatonin, and can help increase your body’s levels.
Tart cherries, red wine, bananas, tomatoes, and chocolate are good sources. Or you can take a melatonin supplement, 0.3 mg to 3 mg at bedtime. So if you’re prone to stomach problems, try melatonin to give your gut some powerful protection.
You’ll also benefit from getting a good night’s sleep.
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Quality sleep lowers your stress levels. Stress can also cause inflammation throughout your body, including your gut and intestines.
