Melatonin – A Natural Sleep Aid has protective effects against Cancer & Cardiovascular Disorders

Melatonin is a natural sleep aid that is universally known for its sleep inducing effect that helps insomniacs or sleep deprived people to fall asleep. Melatonin improves sleep quality, maintains circadian rhythms and improves quality of life. It is a general perception about melatonin that it has sleep stimulating effect, but now several studies conducted on melatonin, suggest that it has ability to fight various ailments like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, aging and can promote a healthy living. This potent antioxidant, melatonin can fight against cancer and exhibits protective effects on cardiovascular disorders. A latest research by Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D., Professor of Neuroendocrinology at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, studied that walnuts contain melatonin can minimize the incidence of cardiovascular disorders & cancer and can also delay severe neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s diseases. This study is published in “The International Journal of Applied and Basic Nutritional Sciences” with title Melatonin in walnuts: Influence on levels of melatonin and total antioxidant capacity of blood."

In this study Professor Russel J. Reiter observed that walnuts that are the natural source of melatonin can easily absorbed by the body. After taken walnuts, the melatonin levels in blood attain to its peak and increases up to threefold. Walnuts have melatonin and other nutritional compounds like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that have potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Dr. Reiter believes that melatonin and omega-3 helps destroy cancerous cells thus effectively starve cancer.