Eating almonds before bed may have some benefits for your sleep quality and health. Almonds are a source of melatonin; eating them before bed may help adjust the body clock to the external environment. Almonds are a great source of many nutrients. One ounce (28 grams) of almonds provides 18% of the daily phosphorus requirement and 23% of the daily riboflavin requirement for adults. Additionally, this amount of almonds provides 25% of the daily requirement of manganese for men and 31% of the daily requirement of manganese for women.
Almond “melatonin” and body clock regulation
Almonds and several other nuts are a source of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin regulates the body’s internal clock and signals the body to prepare for sleep, thereby helping to improve sleep quality.
Almonds are also a very good source of magnesium, providing 19% of the daily magnesium requirement for adults in just 28 grams. Adequate magnesium intake may help improve sleep quality, especially for those who suffer from insomnia. The role of magnesium in improving sleep is associated with its ability to reduce inflammation. Additionally, it may help reduce the stress hormone cortisol, which is known to disrupt sleep.
Regular consumption of almonds is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This association is attributed to almonds’ healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Antioxidants protect body cells against harmful inflammation, which is one of the reasons for chronic diseases.
