The biggest issue impacting people’s sleep quality is stress. Whether it’s related to work, anxiety, or something else, it’s affecting millions of people worldwide. And, it’s definitely impacting my own sleep. When I’m stressed or anxious, it’s harder for me to relax and relax my body. Which, in turn, makes it more difficult for me to go to sleep. So instead of lying in bed and stressing about my problems, I get up and do something active. Like go for a walk, run, or call a friend. Anything that will put my mind at ease and help me focus on something beyond work. For those of you reading this who struggle with the same issue, I hope this article will help you discover a better way to deal with your anxiety and stress levels before bedtime.
Why Is Peanut Butter Considered Healthy?
I mentioned above how much sleep stress is preventing me from getting. Aside from the obvious fact that a good night’s sleep makes you feel better the next day, studies have also shown that eating certain foods before bedtime can improve your sleep quality. Amongst them, peanut butter. If you’re not familiar, peanut butter is a type of spread commonly used in Asian countries. It’s made from ground peanuts. And it’s generally thicker than regular butter. As a result, it tends to collect at the top of its container. So if you have a habit of eating at the back of the refrigerator, where all the good food is usually kept, you’ll find yourself eating more frequently. With peanut butter being considered a luxury food, people in wealthier countries did not commonly eat it. However, when the economy started to decline in the 1980s, people started looking for healthy snacks to fill the void. And it was during this time that scientists started discovering the healthy benefits of peanut butter. Some of the health advantages include:
- Energy (RDI): One of the primary reasons why people eat peanut butter is because it has a high content of energy. With around 100 kcal per tablespoon, you’ll definitely get your daily requirements of energy for the day. Especially if you use it as a snack instead of as part of a meal. It’s also extremely convenient to carry around as there’s no need to pre-heat the oven to make small snacks. You can simply grab some peanut butter when you’re feeling hungry and go about your business. No preparation necessary.
- Fats (MUFA): Most people consider peanut butter a healthy food because it contains a high content of fats. Though there’s no specific information available, it’s safe to assume that the fats in peanut butter help the body in several ways. First, they help maintain a healthy skin. Second, they provide necessary vitamins and minerals for the human body’s day-to-day functioning. Third, they help prevent heart disease and some types of cancers. Finally, they make the body’s cells more plump and, as a result, look more alive. All in all, fats provide an essential part of a healthy diet. So if you want to eat healthy, you should consider adding more fats to your diet. Especially when you’re craving something sweet, cream-based desserts can easily overwhelm your taste buds. To cut down on added sugar, switch to a low-fat option or have a small portion.
- Sodium: Like many other foods, peanuts also have a high content of sodium. However, it’s not entirely the sodium that people think of when they hear the word ‘sodium’. Actually, the majority of the sodium in peanuts is located in the outer shells. This is why, whenever you get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you’ll end up with more sodium than you actually need. Though this is not always the case, it makes a lot of sense why people consider peanuts a ‘healthy snack’. They contain lots of nutrients and are extremely versatile. You can eat them raw or cooked, and they go well with anything. What’s not to like?
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants are substances that act as small fighters in your body. They stand as your body’s defense against damage caused by free radicals. These radicals are unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging. Though there’s no direct evidence that shows that eating antioxidants can help prevent aging, it is widely accepted that antioxidants help protect the body from a variety of conditions. One of the most common reasons why people think that antioxidants will benefit their health is because they reduce the effects of aging. As you get older, your body’s natural defense systems weaken. So it becomes easier for free radicals to damage the body. Antioxidants can help restore that damaged defense and keep the body young and healthy.
- Magnesium: Another wonderful thing about peanuts is that they contain magnesium. This is an important mineral that helps maintain muscle function and nerve impulse transmission. It also helps your body to regulate sleep cycles and maintain a healthy heart. If you’re not getting your daily requirements of magnesium, it can lead to serious health issues. This is why most doctors recommend that you eat nuts as part of a healthy diet. They contain an important mineral that can’t be easily obtained by most people through food. So if you want to be healthier, you should consider eating more often.
- Vitamins: Last but not least, let’s not forget about the vitamins. Peanuts are one of the best sources of vitamins B and E. These are important vitamins that help protect your skin, fight off infections, and maintain good vision. They also help regulate hormone levels and blood sugar. Though it would be great to get these vitamins from food that is inherently healthy, the majority of us do not eat enough fruits and vegetables to provide us with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. In most cases, we need to take supplements or buy them from food that is organically grown. So, if you want to look and feel your best, it’s important to consider the vitamins that your body needs and to seek them from natural and healthy sources.
How Does Peanut Butter Impact My Sleep?
Let’s get down to business. If you’re struggling with sleep issues, it’s important to first try to determine the underlying cause. For those of you wondering, the reason why I’m eating peanut butter before bedtime is because I’m trying to reduce my sleep debt. The more I eat before bedtime, the more I’ll be able to sleep better. Though it might sound like a common issue, there are actually several different reasons why someone’s sleep quality would be declining. Some of which are clearly related to health issues and some that are not. Knowing what’s causing your poor sleep will allow you to find a solution and change things for the better. For those of you trying to improve your sleep quality and wondering how to do it, here are some of the ways that peanut butter can help you.
Prevents Hunger Pangs
One of the primary reasons why people want to reduce their sleep debt is because it prevents them from going to sleep hungry. This tends to happen when you have a habit of eating late at night. Though they might not seem like it at first, cookies and other pastries stored in the fridge can easily cause you to go to sleep hungry. Not getting enough nutrition during certain periods of the day can lead to a number of health issues. One of the major problems is that your body will not be able to produce enough melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep. Not eating enough food can also cause your blood sugar to drop and lower your body’s energy levels. This makes it harder for you to stay awake and focus during the day. It also adds up to more sleep attacks in the evening. So if you want to reduce your sleep debt and prevent yourself from going to sleep hungry, you should avoid storing foods in the fridge late at night. This will help ensure that you get all the nutrients and energy that you need to function throughout the day. Instead, you should eat a small meal at regular intervals during the day. Nuts and other high-quality, protein-rich foods can help you stay strong throughout the day and be able to fight off hunger pangs. They can also help improve your sleep quality by raising your body’s serotonin levels, naturally soothing your nervous system and putting you in a better mood.