One Avocado a Day Could Help You Sleep Better, Says Groundbreaking Study
Could a daily avocado help you sleep better at night? A new study suggests it just might.
Researchers found that adults who ate one avocado a day for six months reported better quality sleep than those who had fewer than two avocados a month. The benefits appear to come from avocado’s nutrient-rich profile, which includes magnesium, folate, and tryptophan — all linked to healthy sleep and relaxation.
“Sleep is becoming a key lifestyle factor in heart health, and this study shows how nutrition, especially foods like avocado, may play an important role,” said Dr. Kristina Petersen, a nutritional sciences professor at Penn State University.
Why Avocados Could Help You Sleep
- Magnesium supports muscle relaxation.
- Tryptophan and folate help your body make melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep cycles.
- Healthy fats and fiber improve heart and gut health, which are also tied to better sleep.
The study followed 969 U.S. adults with larger waistlines (over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men). While the original research focused on heart health, many participants reported unexpected sleep improvements.
“This was a heart health trial, which makes the sleep findings even more credible because they weren’t the main focus,” explained Dr. John Saito of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
More Than Just Sleep Benefits
Avocados were also linked to lower cholesterol, improved diet quality, and stronger cardiovascular health. Since poor sleep is often tied to high cholesterol and heart disease, the findings suggest a healthy cycle: better heart health can improve sleep, and good sleep can boost heart health.
But experts caution moderation. A large avocado can have more than 400 calories. Still, half an avocado packs more potassium than a banana, which helps control blood pressure. Adding avocado to a smoothie, toast, or salad may be a smart way to enjoy the benefits without overdoing calories.
The Bottom Line
While more research is needed, this study adds to growing evidence that avocados are a heart-healthy, nutrient-packed food that may also support better sleep.
As Dr. Petersen summed it up: “This is an encouraging step in understanding the broader health benefits of avocados.”
#HealthyLiving #BetterSleep #AvocadoBenefits #HeartHealth #NutritionTips