Kiwis Encourage Better Quality Sleep
According
to the American Sleep Association, 50 to 70 million adults in the U.S. have a
sleep disorder. Among this statistic, drowsy driving contributes to more than 1,500
fatalities and 40,000 nonfatal injuries on the road annually. Prevention requires
increased physical function and mental clarity by maintaining the recommended seven
to nine hours of daily sleep for adults. Research is examining if certain
foods, like kiwis can help.
A
study published in the Asia Pacific
Journal of Clinical Nutrition used several tools, including a version of
the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, sleep diaries and ActiGraph to assess overall
sleep quality when consuming two kiwis one hour prior to bed for four weeks.
Although further research is warranted, preliminary results found a 13.4
percent increase in sleep time and a 5.4 percent increase in sleep efficiency.
Outcomes are being linked to kiwis’ serotonin content, which aids in sleep cycle
regulation.
Although
kiwis are not a hallmark of our fall menu, they can be a refreshing and
colorful accompaniment to the season’s dishes. Tuck kiwis into cranberry sauce,
showcase them in a fruit salad or have them as an easy and light side with a leftover
turkey sandwich. Kiwis might even have us dreaming of warmer weather if we pair
them with some shredded coconut on a hearty bowl of morning oatmeal.
For
more seasonal meal tips and inspiration from Giant Nutritionists and to view
class listings, visit GiantFoodStores.com/wellness.
