Jack N. Losso and M. Yeboah-Awudzi, researchers at the School of Nutrition and Food Science at Louisiana State University (USA), have revealed the 'identity' of the nut that can become our great ally in overcoming insomnia problems: the pistachio nut.

Also known as sleep hormone, melatonin is produced in our brain (in the pineal gland) in response to darkness (when ambient light decreases) and is maximal between approximately two and four hours. Deficiency may cause sleep disturbances. In addition to being recommended as an initial treatment for insomnia, melatonin may be beneficial for circadian rhythm regulation (delayed sleep, jet lag, adjustment of the sleep-wake cycle).

But, beyond their melatonin content, pistachios are also"very rich in magnesium which, among many other functions, helps to eliminate stress and sleep," according to María Amaro, a specialist in Nutrition at the Feel Good Clinic (Madrid).

SEXUAL PLEASURE

Pistachios are not only good in bed for sleeping. They can also improve the quality of sexual intercourse, as studies such as the one conducted by scientists at the Atatürk University Hospital and Research Center in Ankara, Turkey, have shown. Published in the 'International Journal of Impotence Research', this report showed that 17 men who added 100 grams of pistachios to their diet for three weeks experienced noticeable improvements in performance, arousal and satisfaction.

"Erectile dysfunction is related to heart disease or cardiovascular problems because, in order to maintain an erection, relaxation of the blood vessels is necessary. Pistachios, due to their contribution in unsaturated and monounsaturated fats, help to maintain normal blood cholesterol and, by improving the circulation of the penile tissues, they improve sexual performance", explains Dr. Amaro.

Similarly, this nut, known as the fruit of happiness or love in many cultures, is "an important source of selenium (an antioxidant mineral that protects the heart and neutralizes free radicals), which contributes to normal spermatogenesis". Also zinc, which "can help improve fertility and maintain testosterone levels in the blood within normal parameters".

A handful of pistachios before bedtime will help in this task.

Learn about the benefits of pistachios:

• Lowers cholesterol

• Protects arterial hypertension

• Balance sugar blood levels

• Reduced cardiovascular risk

• Ally against metabolic syndrome

• Satiating effect, an ally for diets and snacking

• Antioxidant source

• Improve skin appearance