Zinc Deficiency + Insomnia, How Is It Related?
Guest post by nutritionist Ashley Baker aka @wholefoodsimple
Did you know that zinc deficiency and low dietary intake of zinc is linked to insomnia?
Clinical trials exploring the link between mineral status and sleep found that zinc deficiency and low dietary zinc were directly correlated to symptoms of insomnia including difficulty falling asleep.
This is due to zinc and its modulatory effects on neurotransmitters, including serotonin- the precursor to melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Insomnia is directly related to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety as well as obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Zinc containing foods include: oysters, pumpkin seeds, seafood, legumes such as chickpeas and lentils, eggs and nuts. 🌙🌙🌙
Seedy Peanut Butter Cups
One of our favourite zinc-rich recipes to support healthy sleep. See the video here
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut (or other nut or seed butter)
- 2 tbsp raw cacao, powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts and seeds (include pumpkin seeds) + 1/4 cup to garnish
- 1/4-1/2 cup oats
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp honey, maple syrup or preferred liquid sweetener
Method:
Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and combine well.
Use a silicone muffin tray (or line a mini muffin tin) and pour the peanut butter mixture into the molds. Top with nuts and seeds and freeze until solid.
Store in the freezer until you want a sweet and satisfying snack!
Ashley is a Sydney based Nutritionist, working in the practitioner only brand space, passionate about healing through whole-food. Ashley is a weight neutral practitioner who promotes evidence based healthcare and a safe non-judgemental space for all body sizes.Fine more from Ash at @wholefoodsimple