What do you usually grab for when you're seeking the perfect bedtime snack? Perhaps you prefer something cold, such as a bowl of cereal with milk, or something warm, like a slice of baked banana bread. Whatever you choose from the fridge or the cupboard, one thing is for certain: the snack must be filling.
This is why peanut butter is such a good choice for a snack before bedtime. The nut butter is high in healthy fats and protein, which might help you stay full throughout the night. Two tablespoons of smooth type peanut butter (with salt) has roughly 7 grams of protein and 15 grams of total fat, according to the USDA FoodData Central.
Peanuts are high in monounsaturated fats, which have been demonstrated to lessen the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol, which is a bad type of cholesterol. Iron, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium are among the minerals found in the nut.
It also contains a variety of vitamins and amino acids that have been shown to aid in the promotion of restful sleep. Peanuts, for example, are a rich source of vitamin E, and a 2019 study identified a link between low vitamin E intake and poor sleep patterns in women, among other nutrients.
Peanuts are also high in tryptophan, an amino acid that may help with sleep quality. This is because tryptophan is required for the production of two important sleep hormones: serotonin and melatonin.
So, if you're searching for a snack to keep you going till morning, a spoonful of peanut butter spread over whole-grain toast can be your new favorite. According to research, consuming nutrient-dense foods before bed can help you avoid overeating at breakfast the next morning. It may also aid in the regulation of blood glucose (sugar) levels.