Along with these 7 other foods, bananas can help you sleep better

You may sleep on a banana.

The yellow fruit has many benefits, from boosting energy to reducing bloating, but it turns out that a simple banana may be the little-known secret to getting more Zzzs.

According to the Sleep Charity, which has published tips for people hoping to get a better night’s rest, eating a banana right before bed can help people get quality sleep.

The UK-based institute notes that bananas can help you fall asleep faster thanks to their high levels of magnesium and potassium, both of which help relax muscles, as well as tryptophan, which can help calm the brain.

This fruit also acts like melatonin, which many use for better rest.

The sleep charity also highlighted other fruits that provide high levels of sleep-promoting melatonin, such as grapes, tart cherries and strawberries.

In addition to these magical fruits, the foundation’s research added that almonds, fish, whole grains and oatcakes with cheese can help with sleep.

Sleep experts suggest additional nutritional tips to aid sleep, including eating only light meals and avoiding spicy foods, chocolate, and high-carb foods.

Along with diet, the foundation suggested that reducing screen time, adding relaxing activities like reading or meditation, taking a bath, and keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet can help.

Of course, bananas have benefits beyond sleep quality thanks to a long list of nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and more, some of which help boost energy levels.

In particular, potassium can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Bananas may be low in protein and fat-free, but they are high in carbohydrates, water, fiber, and antioxidants. According to the USDA’s FoodData Center, a medium banana contains 1 gram of protein, 29 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber and 112 calories.

One of the best benefits of bananas is that they have high levels of dietary fiber, which improves digestion and is associated with improved digestion.

Pectin, a fiber found in both ripe and unripe bananas, can help soften stools and prevent constipation, and can potentially reduce the risk of colon cancer.