Health Benefits Of Melatonin

Health Benefits Of Melatonin

Melatonin, is a hormone found in all living creatures, at levels that vary in a daily cycle.Melatonin, and its by-products , are extremely powerful antioxidants with a particular role in protecting DNA. It reduces experimental cataractogenesis, traumatic injury to the spinal cord and brain, and protects against oxidative damage to neurons and ganglia in models of stroke, Parkinsonism and Alzheimer’s disease . It is naturally synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan via synthesis of serotonin.  


Melatonin represents one of the most important immune enhancing substances in our body, and, as a free radical scavenger, protects all body and brain cells against genetic damage considered to be a precursor to cancer . Serotonin acts as a messenger for the nervous system and in the brain as a mood hormone. A reduced serotonin level is associated with depression, lethargy and listlessness, inner agitation and many psychiatric disturbances. 


Some foods and drink help increase melatonin consumption; red wine, bananas, oats, fruit vegetables and cereals. Melatonin is present in many plants, possibly to protect against UV light.Purslane has 10-20 times more melatonin than any other edible plant, followed by St John’s Wort,sage and feverfew. Melatonin supplementation may disrupt circadian rhythms, if taken during the day rather than night-time.  


Once you pass 65, your body will be able to make only about 10% of the melatonin you did when you were 30. 


Cherries are believed to be one of the most concentrated sources of melatonin. Bananas, corn and oats supply melatonin but in considerably smaller amounts.  


Increasing melatonin may do more than promote a restful sleep. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that has been extensively studied in recent years for its role in reducing inflammation and fighting free radicals in the body, which is linked to increased cancer risk. 


A new study published in the journal Free Radical Research that was  conducted by Reiter and colleagues at the University of Granada in Spain found that melatonin neutralizes the oxidative and inflammation process caused by aging, thereby suggesting that melatonin may play a role in delaying the effects of aging.  Based on the findings of this study, the authors suggest that daily melatonin intake in humans from the age of 30 or 40 could potentially help delay illnesses related to aging.