5 Reasons Why It’s Good to Take Melatonin and How to Do It

Melatonin, also known as the hormone of darkness, has its production directly related to the amount of light perceived. It is naturally found in our body and synthesized through tryptophan, an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through food. It is a substance of vital importance, responsible for ensuring growth and development.

We, from awesome.club, we did research on the importance of this hormone for the body and we will tell you everything about this topic in this article. Remember to consult your doctor or nutritionist before taking any supplements or making any changes to your daily diet.

Our organism has two types of melatonin: one develops in the pineal gland and the other is produced by the organs. The first is photosensitive, that is, it is produced according to the amount of light we are exposed to and is responsible for controlling the biological rhythms of sleep.

The second, called extrapineal melatonin, is produced in greater quantity, but its production is not related to light. Among its most important functions is cell protection, since it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Pineal melatonin controls our body’s biological clock, being primarily responsible for our rest cycles. It begins to be produced at dusk, when we begin to perceive less light and its maximum production occurs at night. It does not induce sleep as if it were a sleeping pill, its function does not make us sleep, but it reminds our organism that we need to rest.

The production of extrapineal melatonin is completely independent of the pineal and, when it is needed, each organ or tissue can produce it on its own. Its functions occur at the cellular level. It regulates cellular functions, acting as an antioxidant, preventing cell aging and acting as an anti-inflammatory in the face of a threat to protect cells.

In addition to being beneficial for regulating sleep and rest, this hormone also provides us with a series of extremely important benefits.

It is a natural antioxidant — Until recently, vitamin E was believed to be the most effective antioxidant available, but several studies have shown that melatonin is twice as potent. This hormone has the ability to neutralize free radicals, toxic substances that accumulate in cells, protecting them from deterioration.Prevent aging — Premature aging arises when there is a lack of melatonin, as it is the hormone responsible for regulating cell aging.Regulates the immune system — the accumulation of inflammatory enzymes and free radicals in cells damage healthy tissues, leading to the onset of chronic diseases. Melatonin regulates the number of immune system cells to fight infections and at the same time acts as an anti-inflammatory, preventing chronic inflammation.Helps prevent cancer — adding all the properties indicated above, melatonin is considered an anticancer hormone. It also helps to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy by reducing their side effects.It’s a neuroprotector — Melatonin supplementation by older people helps care for and maintain the blood-brain membrane, a membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord from harmful substances. It can also be used to prevent Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases that come with age.

Although we produce this hormone naturally in our body, our diet is vitally important both to consume it directly from food and to obtain the tryptophan our body needs to be able to synthesize it.

fruits — cherries, especially the most acidic ones, are rich in melatonin, as well as bananas, popularly recommended at night to help you fall asleep. The latter, in addition to melatonin, contains tryptophan, as well as pineapple, avocado and plums.Vegetables – Among the vegetables rich in tryptophan, we find spinach, beetroot, carrots, celery and broccoli.Dry fruits — Of all dried fruits, walnuts have the highest melatonin content, 3.5 nanograms of melatonin per gram. The others also provide tryptophan, vitamins B and C, proteins, magnesium and Omega 3.Cereals — Rice and oats (mainly wholegrain) are, like corn, the foods with the highest amount of melatonin per gram.legumes and seeds — Chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, in addition to tryptophan, also provide the body with B1, B3, B6, B9 and magnesium.Meat — especially turkey, chicken and fatty fish are rich in tryptophan, as are eggs, especially the yolk and dairy products.

Do you take any type of nutritional or vitamin supplement? Which and for what?