Foods for Better Sleep, Less Stress and Better Sex

Nourishing Your Body for Rest, Stress Relief, and Intimacy - By Alison Cullen

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Foods for Better Sleep

Oats

Oats contain magnesium and calcium, which support the nervous system to reduce vulnerability to stress. As stress is a major sleep disruptor, ensuring your nervous system is fully provided with these healthful nutrients can help you drop peacefully to sleep.

Rice

Rice provides us with melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Levels of melatonin rise with the onset of darkness, encouraging a feeling of sleepiness that will make it easier to fall asleep. As a complex carbohydrate, rice will also trigger the release of insulin, which in turn drives the amino acid tryptophan into the brain, where it helps to induce sleep.

Tryptophan can, additionally be converted into serotonin, which is soothing for the nervous system, making it less likely that anxiety will wake you in the night. B vitamins are needed for this conversion process, and wholegrain rice contains these.

Bananas

These are a good source of magnesium, which supports the nervous system, assists tense muscles to relax, and aids in body temperature regulation. Lowering of the body temperature is necessary to allow you to fall asleep. Bananas also contain melatonin and tryptophan.

Foods for Less Stress

Leafy greens such as spinach

Spinach contains stacks of vitamin B, which is hugely supportive of the nervous system. Lack of B vitamins affects many areas of your body, but the nervous system and circulatory system are two where problems will be highlighted with B deficiency.

Tahini

Tahini is made from sesame seeds, a very rich source of nerve-supportive calcium and magnesium, which are better absorbed when they are present together. Tahini also contains B vitamins, and is a good source of plant-based protein.

Avocado

These are delicious providers of healthy fats, vital for good nerve function. Low levels of healthy fats such as Omega-3 are associated with low mood and depression. They also contain magnesium, which helps to lower levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is produced in response to stress and can raise your blood pressure.

Foods for Better Sex

Beetroot

This richly coloured vegetable contains inorganic nitrate, which is a natural vasodilator, helping to widen blood vessels to allow oxygen-rich blood to reach all areas of the body. Beets also contain boron, which is associated with increased levels of sex hormones. Why not try A.Vogel’s Biotta Organic Beetroot Juice (£4.49 for 500ml, avogel.co.uk)

Asparagus

Delicious and nutritious, asparagus contain aspartic acid, which is excellent for cleansing the body, reducing levels of ammonia, which tend to contribute to fatigue and sexual disinterest.

Figs

Containing calcium for the nervous system, potassium for countering fatigue, and amino acids for supporting stamina, figs are additionally very tasty and good for your digestive system.